The Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is a core document issued by an air carrier or its agent to confirm the contract of carriage and serve as a receipt for the goods. It applies to all international air cargo transportation. Typically printed and serially numbered by the airline, it records the shipper, consignee, airport of departure/destination, flight, description of goods, number of pieces, weight, freight charges, etc. The MAWB is a transport document between the carrier and the freight forwarder, not a direct contract between the forwarder and the cargo owner. Use cases include: after the forwarder books space with the airline, the airline issues the MAWB to the forwarder; the forwarder then issues a House Air Waybill (HAWB) to the actual cargo owner. Notes: The MAWB is non-negotiable and usually in named form; in case of cargo damage, claims should be filed against the airline; freight prepaid or collect must be clearly marked. Difference from HAWB: MAWB is the master document for the entire shipment; HAWB is the house document used for consolidated or split shipments by the forwarder, and cargo under an HAWB must be attached to the corresponding MAWB.
📝 Examples
1. We have received the MAWB issued by the airline, number 999-12345678. Please use this number and the HAWB number to pick up the cargo at the destination airport. (Note: The forwarder notifies the consignee to pick up cargo with both master and house waybills.)
2. Since the customer requested partial shipments, we can only apply for a separate MAWB for each batch, but all MAWBs are linked to the same sales contract. (Note: Partial shipments require multiple MAWBs.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
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