Documentation
HAWB (House Air Waybill)
An air waybill issued by a freight forwarder or consolidator to an individual shipper, covering that shipper's consignment within a larger consolidated shipment.
In depth
The HAWB is the forwarder's own contract with the shipper, and it is the document the shipper holds and tracks against. It sits underneath a master air waybill covering the whole consolidation, mirroring the house and master bill of lading structure in ocean freight. Because the airline's contract is with the forwarder rather than the shipper, claims against the carrier run through the forwarder, and the liability limits available depend on which document governs. Cargo details on the HAWB must match the MAWB and the customs entry.
Key points
- Issued by a forwarder to an individual shipper
- Sits under a master air waybill covering the consolidation
- The shipper's contract is with the forwarder, not the airline
- Details must match the MAWB and the customs entry