What Is a DHL Air Waybill (AWB)? A Complete Filling Guide

An Air Waybill (or “Waybill”) is a document issued by a carrier and attached to a shipment. It includes important details like the sender’s and recipient’s name and address, phone number, a description of the goods, and who is liable to pay the duties and taxes.

Think of it as your shipment’s passport, telling customs authorities everything they need to know to process and track it; without an air waybill, the shipment risks being delayed, lost, or held up at customs.

The Importance of a Waybill in International Shipping 

An air waybill plays several critical roles in international freight — it is an indispensable document for every international shipment. Key functions of the air waybill (AWB) include:

• A contract between the shipper and the carrier, stipulating the shipment of goods from the point of origin to the point of destination.
  
• Evidence that a shipment has been delivered to the recipient in good condition.
  
• An invoice for the carrier service including which party is responsible for payment.
• Tracking via the Waybill’s unique tracking number and barcode.

How to Correctly Fill in an Air Waybill? Essential Fields at a Glance

Correctly filling in an air waybill is key to ensuring smooth customs clearance. Typically, you will need to provide the following information on a Waybill:

• Names and addresses of the shipper and recipient
  
• Details of the carrier
  
• Description and value of the goods
  
• Quantity, weight and size of the packaged goods
  
• Departure and destination 
  
• Special handling instructions (e.g. “Dangerous Goods”)
  
• Terms and conditions of the transportation contract
  
• Whether the shipment is Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP), meaning you, the shipper, incurs the full costs of the shipment, or Duties & Taxes Unpaid (DTU), whereby all fees will be paid by the consignee.
  

Air Waybill Handling Process

To ensure the smooth delivery of goods, understanding the air waybill processing flow is essential. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of each stage, helping you manage every aspect of your international shipping documentation:

1. Data Preparation: Gather the sender's and recipient's details, goods description, weight, dimensions, and other essential information
2. Fill in the Waybill: Accurately complete all required fields on the air waybill, ensuring the information matches your commercial invoice
3. Carrier Review & Issuance: Once the carrier has verified all details, the air waybill is officially generated and issued
4. Attach the Waybill: Affix the AWB label to the top of the shipment's packaging box, ensuring the barcode is clearly visible and does not overlap with other labels
5. Shipment Dispatch: The carrier officially accepts the shipment and arranges delivery
6. Tracking & Delivery Confirmation: Track the full shipment status using the AWB number; the process is complete once the recipient signs for delivery

Who is responsible for Creating the Air Waybill?

A DHL Air Waybill can be generated using DHL's international shipping tool, ShipNow, when you book a shipment online. You will be required to enter details about the shipment (including the recipient’s information), so have them to hand. Once you've provided all required details, creating your air waybill is just a matter of moments.

International Shipping Customs Documentation: What Other Documents Do I Need?

There are several important documents you will need to clear your goods through customs, including a Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin and import/export licenses.  

This may seem complex – especially if you’re a small business shipping to multiple countries. Our dedicated guide to international shipping paperwork will help you navigate it all – including the differences between a waybill vs bill of lading. 

How to create a DHL Air Waybill with DHL Express?

Through DHL Express's MyDHL+ platform, you can easily create an air waybill online — no need to visit a service point. Here are the detailed steps for creating your DHL Express air waybill:

• Log in to your MyDHL+ account and book your shipment.
• Then, enter the sender's details such as name, address, and contact. Also, provide the receiver's complete information 
• Provide shipment details such as package type, contents, value, weight, and dimensions.
• Once you've entered all the required information, MyDHL+ will automatically generate your air waybill.
• If you prefer to send your shipment to the DHL ServicePoint, our retail officer will create and print your air waybill for you.

Enter all information carefully. Customs authorities will check the details that match the shipment’s contents and invoice; any inconsistencies could cause it to be held for further inspection. 

Secure the Air Waybill label to the top of the shipment’s box. This allows for easy reference by authorities on its journey. Avoid overlapping the Air Waybill label with other labels, tape, or paperwork to prevent obscuring its barcode. For added security, consider placing a copy of the Waybill inside the package. This will assist the carrier in identifying your shipment if the original label becomes detached or damaged.

Simplifying Shipping with DHL Express

Shipping with DHL Express involves knowing the essentials of the DHL Express Air Waybill (AWB) to ensure a seamless and efficient shipping experience. As an air waybill is a critical document that includes important information about each DHL shipment, understanding and accurately completing the AWB will help you comply with international shipping regulations and ensure smooth customs clearance.

To simplify this process, DHL Express offers MyDHL+, an online platform designed to simplify shipping management. MyDHL+ allows users to create, manage, and track AWBs digitally, reducing paperwork and administrative burdens significantly. Through MyDHL+, shippers can access real-time tracking updates, manage import/export documents, and settle shipping bills efficiently, all from an one-stop MyDHL+ homepage.

For businesses looking to optimise their logistics operations further, setting up a DHL Express business account provides additional benefits. This includes DHL Express shipping tools, dedicated customer support, and enhanced visibility and control over international shipments. 

So, create a DHL Express business account today and achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in the global shipping operations of your business, ultimately ensuring a hassle-free experience for senders and recipients.

Frequently Asked Questions