HAWB
Term Summary
A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is an air transport document issued by a freight forwarder to the shipper, acting as a contract and receipt for individual shipments in consolidated air cargo. This article outlines HAWB’s definition, its main functions as evidence of contract and transport instruction, and its vital role in consolidation, customs clearance, and shipment tracking within air freight logistics.
A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is an air transport document issued by a freight forwarder to the actual shipper. It serves as a contract of carriage between the freight forwarder and the exporter, detailing the shipment under a consolidation.
Key Functions:
- Evidence of Contract: The HAWB acts as proof of a carriage contract between the shipper and the freight forwarder.
- Receipt for Goods: It acknowledges receipt of cargo from the shipper for air transportation.
- Transport Instructions: The HAWB contains details regarding the consignor, consignee, cargo description, origin, destination, weight, and special handling requirements.
Role in Air Freight Logistics:
- Consolidation Process: In groupage (consolidated) cargo, the freight forwarder collects shipments from different shippers and issues a separate HAWB to each. All HAWBs are then consolidated under a single MAWB, which is issued by the carrier.
- Customs Clearance: HAWB information is required for customs declaration at both origin and destination.
- Tracking and Claims: The HAWB number allows shippers and consignees to track their individual shipments and serves as a document for claims in case of loss or damage.
The House Air Waybill is an essential document in air freight forwarding, facilitating the consolidation of shipments and ensuring proper contractual, operational, and legal arrangements between freight forwarders and their clients.
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