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An Air Waybill (AWB) is an important document used in international shipping to ensure that cargo is delivered safely. The AWB contains details such as the tracking number and shipper/consignee information, and is used for customs declarations and as legal evidence.
Here, we will introduce the input items required to create an Air Waybill (AWB) and ‘MyDHL+’, a service that allows you to create Air Waybills online.
DHL Express Air Waybill (AWB)
The AWB is an essential document for air cargo transportation. It contains details about the cargo and the terms of the transportation contract, as well as information required for cargo tracking and customs clearance. While similar to the BOL (Bill of Lading) used in sea or land transportation, the AWB is primarily used for air and land transportation contracts and cargo tracking.
At DHL Express, we refer to the air waybill as the “Shipment Waybill/Waybill,” which plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient international shipments.
The Role and Importance of the AWB
The AWB serves various important functions, including:
- Transportation Instructions: By providing essential details such as the shipper, consignee, cargo description, weight, and service type, the AWB ensures accurate handling of the shipment.
- Customs Declaration Document: As an important document for customs declaration, it supports the swift clearance of imports and exports.
- Cargo Tracking: Using the AWB number, you can easily check the current location and delivery status of the cargo.
- Evidence Document: It also serves as a legal document proving ownership of the cargo, helping to mitigate risks such as loss, damage, or delivery issues.
Additionally, for shipments other than documents, a Commercial Invoice is typically attached as a customs document in addition to the AWB to prove the value of the shipment.
Main items to be filled out on the DHL Express Air Waybill (AWB)
The AWB contains all the information necessary for the transportation of the shipment.
Main items to be filled out
- Shipper's name, company name (for legal entities only), address, phone number, email address
- Consignee's name, company name (for legal entities only), address, phone number
- Type of cargo (documents or non-documents)
- Details of shipment contents (cargo description, quantity, weight, dimensions)
- Cargo handling instructions (e.g., cargo insurance)
- Payment terms for freight and duties/taxes (e.g., “Duties & Taxes Paid” or “Duties & Taxes Unpaid”)
* Since January 2010, DHL Express has standardized the format of shipping documents, and the name is now uniformly referred to as “Shipment Waybill/Shipping Document.”
Create air waybills (AWBs) using the online shipping tool MyDHL+
With DHL's online shipping tool MyDHL+, you can handle everything online, including creating air waybills (AWBs), managing imports and exports, tracking air shipments, and settling invoices.
By using MyDHL+, you can streamline the shipping process by reducing the time required to create shipping documents and verify necessary information for shipment. Whether you are a business or an individual, you can smoothly handle tasks such as creating shipping documents, confirming quotes, requesting pickups, paying freight charges, and checking shipment status.
Once shipping documents are entered in MyDHL+, the air waybill is automatically generated, and a 10-digit air waybill number is issued for your shipment. This number enables easy tracking and inquiry of your shipment.
For first-time users of MyDHL+, simply register your name, company name (for businesses only), phone number, email address, and password to get started easily.
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