Related Glossary
What is a Master Air Waybill?
A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is an air transport document issued by an airline to a freight forwarder, serving as proof of receipt for cargo and as a contract of carriage.
It outlines the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of the airline transporting the goods. A MAWB is a key document in international air freight and is used for customs clearance, tracking, and dispute resolution.
Key Points
Issued by the airline to the freight forwarder.
Serves as a receipt of goods and a contract of carriage.
Contains shipment details such as shipper, consignee, origin, destination, weight, and handling requirements.
Used in both direct and consolidated shipments, with consolidated cargo carrying multiple HAWBs under one MAWB.
Required for airline-level tracking, customs processing, and cargo release procedures.
Benefits & Challenges
Benefits
Official proof of receipt: Confirms the airline has accepted the cargo.
Facilitates tracking: Enables shipment visibility through the airline's tracking system.
Customs clearance: Required for entry processing in most destination countries.
Supports consolidation: Allows forwarders to group multiple HAWBs under one master document for efficient handling.
Challenges
Strict data accuracy: Any mismatch in weight, dimensions, or cargo details can cause customs delays.
Non-negotiable document: Changes after issuance require amendments, which may lead to additional charges.
Dependency on airline timelines: Forwarders must align with the carrier’s cut-off times to avoid rollovers.
Conclusion
The Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is one of the most critical documents in air freight logistics. It establishes the legal framework for air transport, supports customs clearance, and enables efficient cargo tracking. When paired with the House Air Waybill (HAWB), the MAWB helps create a complete documentation chain that freight forwarders rely on. Understanding how HAWB and MAWB work together allows forwarders to maintain accuracy, avoid delays, and streamline every stage of their air freight operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of a MAWB?
A MAWB acts as a contract of carriage between the airline and the freight forwarder and as proof that the airline has received the cargo.
2. Who issues an MAWB?
The airline or its authorized agent issues the Master Air Waybill.
3. Is a MAWB used for tracking?
Yes, it is the primary document used for airline-level shipment tracking.
4. Is a MAWB negotiable?
No, MAWBs are non-negotiable documents.