AWB Number: Your Ticket to Shipping

When you book a courier service to ship goods, you’re often handed a crucial lifeline: an 11-digit number known as the AWB number. This little code becomes your ticket to tracking your shipments’ journey, offering real-time updates as they make their way to their destination.

An AWB or full form Air Waybill number is specifically used for goods transported by air, making it an essential tool for managing air freight. For entrepreneurs with heavy shipping needs, understanding the meaning of AWB numbers is vital for efficient logistics and smooth operations. Keep reading to delve deeper into this crucial aspect of the air shipping process and learn how it can enhance your business management.

What is AWB Number: The Importance

An Air Waybill (AWB) number is a non-negotiable, legally binding document provided by logistics companies when shipping goods. It contains details of the shipment, such as origin and destination, seller and buyer information, and the nature and quantity of goods, making tracking its location easy.

Below are the four vital aspects of AWB numbers:

• Efficient Communication: AWB numbers facilitate clear communication among shippers, carriers, customs, and consignees, ensuring all have up-to-date details on the shipment.
• Vital Reference Point: These numbers serve as a crucial source of information about the shipment’s origin, destination, buyer, seller, and goods, which can aid stakeholders in making informed decisions.
• Minimised Delays: AWB numbers reduce delays by providing accurate and timely information to all involved, streamlining processes, and expediting customs clearance.
• Smooth Movement of Goods: AWB numbers contribute to the seamless transit of goods, minimising disruptions and helping businesses maintain their competitive edge.

Understanding the Purpose & Meaning of AWB Number

An AWB number serves as proof of receipt of goods, documenting the relationship between the consignee, shipper, and airline. AWB numbers also contain vital information about the goods being transported, which is essential for customs officials.

It enables them to assess whether the goods are allowed in the country, their value, the amount of duty, and the taxes payable. Thus, whenever you are booking a courier, taking note of the AWB number is a must.

However, not all courier service providers promptly provide AWB numbers for booked shipments. Without an AWB number, you might not be able to verify the location and status of your goods, which can be particularly problematic for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.

That’s why you should choose Porter for your courier needs. As soon as you make a courier booking with us, you will receive the AWB number on your confirmation email for your shipment. Our prompt and efficient service allows you to easily and confidently manage your logistics.

AWB Number: Who Generates it & What Does It Contain

Most shipping carriers generate AWB numbers digitally. They consist of an 11-digit code which contains the following elements:

• 3-digit airlines prefix
• 7-digit serial number
• 1-digit check digit

AWB Number Example

Let’s take an AWB number example for better understanding.

Suppose you book a courier pickup with Porter and get the AWB 196-76514524.

Here,

• ‘196’ is your 3-digit airline’s prefix,
• ‘7651452’is your 7-digit serial number, and 
• ‘4’ is your 1-digit check digit.

What Information Does AWB Number Provide?

Following is a list of the details that are provided by the AWB number:

• Carrier/shipper’s name.
• Consignee’s name and address.
• Shipper’s name and address.
• General description of the goods.
• Description of packing and container.
• Specific marks are crucial for goods identification.
• Transit places.
• Departure and destination ports.
• Full Container Load (FCL) indication.
• Issuing carrier’s date and signature.  
• Prepaid freight or freight collect clauses.

Guide to Use AWB Number in Container Tracking Processes

Businesses can track their shipments using AWB numbers by following the steps below:

Step 1 – Open the logistics company’s app or website.

Step 2 – Sign in to the user account.

Step 3 – Navigate to the ‘Order’ section and choose the relevant order.

Step 4 – Find its AWB number.

Step 5 – Click on the ‘Search’ option and enter the AWB number.

The platform will display the shipment’s current status.

Note – The steps to track shipment status using AWB number may differ across platforms.

Looking at the Key Benefits of Using AWB Number for Couriers and Customers

Following are some of the benefits of using Airway Bill no for couriers and customers:

Real-time Shipment Tracking

AWB numbers enable businesses to track the status of their shipments from the moment they are dispatched until they reach the end user. This facilitates a high level of transparency, as all stakeholders know the exact location of the package, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Additionally, tracking via AWB numbers allows companies to check whether the shipper is adhering to all the service level agreements (SLAs). 

Improved Reliability

Airway Bill numbers store all shipping-related information in a digital format. This mitigates the risk of losing important papers related to the transfer and lets stakeholders access them on the go.

This also reduces waiting time, ensuring the shipment reaches its destination without any error or delay.  

Reduced Operational Costs

AWB shipping numbers allow companies to check their shipments’ status without relying on third-party service providers or stakeholders. This helps them save the time and labour resources required for collaboration and communication with such entities.

Additionally, the smart tracking features of AWB numbers negate the need to hire customer support staff to handle tracking-related queries.  

Now that you know the meaning of AWB number and how to track shipments using it, you only need a reliable logistics partner like Porter Courier Services to get started.

We provide on-time door-to-door delivery in 20 cities across India. Our services include e-commerce shipping, personal gifts and parcels, and urgent same-day delivery.

Additionally, we provide real-time tracking with the help of the shipment’s AWB number, which you receive in the confirmation email when you book a courier pickup with us.

What’s more, you do not need to worry about shipping labels. Just mention the CR number, and we will take care of it for you.

Try Porter courier services today and take your business’s logistics capabilities to the next level!     

Frequently Asked Questions About AWB Number