Your guide to the DHL Express air waybill

Shipping packages overseas can seem daunting, whether an SME owner fulfilling international orders or a family member sending a balikbayan box to loved ones. Between tracking numbers, customs forms, and delivery updates, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Amidst all this paperwork, one document stands out: the DHL Express air waybill.

What is an air waybill and why is it essential?

An air waybill is a legal document that travels with your package and is a binding contract between you (the shipper) and DHL Express (the carrier). The air waybill serves several essential purposes that make it indispensable in international shipping from the Philippines:

• Tracking and updates: The air waybill’s unique number is your tracking number, allowing you and your recipient to follow the shipment’s real-time progress, from the Philippines to its destination.
• For customs clearance: The waybill also contains essential shipment details that customs authorities rely on for inspection and clearance.
• For proof of shipment: The AWB is official proof that you’ve handed your package over to DHL Express. 
• For courier operations: Internally, the air waybill helps DHL Express’s logistics and operations teams by providing detailed handling and routing instructions. 

What information does an air waybill contain? 

Every air waybill carries crucial shipment details that make your delivery traceable, compliant, and efficiently handled at every stage.

• Shipper Details: This section includes your full name, business name (if applicable), address, and contact number.
• Receiver Details: Just as important as the sender’s information, this section captures the recipient’s full name, delivery address, and contact number. 
• Shipment Details: This part outlines what you’re sending, including a brief description of the contents, total number of pieces, and overall weight.
• The Barcode and Waybill Number: The barcode and 10-digit tracking number enable DHL Express’s automated systems to scan, record, and process your shipment at every checkpoint, providing you with real-time visibility of its journey from origin to destination.
• Special Instructions: This section highlights specific handling notes, such as “Fragile”, “Perishable”, or “Handle with Care”, guiding DHL Express couriers and warehouse staff in managing your package appropriately.

How to create an air waybill?

Creating an air waybill is a simple yet vital step in ensuring your shipment moves smoothly through DHL Express’s global network. 

For SMEs Using MyDHL+

If you’re a business owner or frequent shipper, MyDHL+ is the most efficient platform to create your air waybills. 

Here’s how it works:

• Log in to your account: Start by signing in to your MyDHL+ account. Since your company information and shipping history are already saved, the process is much faster for repeat shipments.
• Create a shipment: Enter your recipient’s details, including their name, address, and contact number. Then, specify your package’s contents, weight, and declared value.
• Get a quote and book: Review the available shipping options and costs to choose the one that best suits your needs. Once you confirm the booking, DHL Express automatically generates your air waybill; no manual forms needed.
• Print or use a digital copy: You can print the air waybill directly from your office or save a digital copy, which your DHL Express courier can scan and process when they collect the shipment. This flexibility speeds up the entire process and makes it more convenient for busy businesses.

For Individuals and First-Time Shippers

If you’re new to international shipping or prefer personal assistance, DHL Express makes it just as easy to create an air waybill in a few steps:

• Visit the DHL Express website: Go to the Get a Quote tool on the DHL Express Philippines homepage to start your shipment request.
• Enter your details: Provide essential information, including the destination country, package dimensions, and item description. This helps DHL Express generate an accurate cost estimate.
• Receive your quote: After reviewing the provided rates and transit times, DHL Express will prepare your air waybill based on the information you’ve entered.
• Visit a service point: Bring your package to the nearest DHL Express Service Point. There, the staff will weigh your shipment, verify your documents, and print the official air waybill for you. This option is ideal if you prefer hands-on support or want to ensure everything is in order before shipping.

How to track your shipment using your air waybill number?

Once your package is on its way, your air waybill number becomes your key to staying informed. To track your shipment:

• Go to the DHL Express website’s tracking page: Visit the official DHL Express tracking page through your browser or mobile device. You can access it directly from the homepage.
• Enter the 10-digit air waybill number: You can find your AWB number on your shipment receipt or air waybill document, then type it into the tracking field on the page. You can enter multiple tracking numbers if you’re monitoring several packages.
• Click “track”: Once you hit the Track button, the system instantly retrieves the most recent updates from DHL Express’s global network.

After completing these simple steps, you’ll see detailed real-time updates on your package’s status and location. The tracking page displays every movement, from when your parcel arrives at a DHL Express facility in the Philippines to customs clearance and final delivery at the destination.

This transparency gives you complete peace of mind, allowing you to plan accordingly, manage customer expectations, and even share live tracking updates with your recipient.

Air waybill vs. other shipping documents

When shipping internationally, it’s easy to encounter documents that look similar but serve different purposes.

• Air Waybill vs. Sea Waybill: An air waybill is used exclusively for air shipments, while a sea waybill applies to ocean freight. Both serve as contracts of carriage, but each is tailored to the specific requirements and regulations of their respective transport methods.
• Air Waybill vs. Commercial Invoice: Although both accompany your shipment, they serve very different functions. The air waybill focuses on logistics and tracking, outlining how the goods are transported. The commercial invoice, on the other hand, is a financial and customs document that lists what was sold, to whom, and at what price.
• Air Waybill vs. Bill of Lading: A bill of lading is primarily used for sea freight and has an additional legal feature; it can act as proof of ownership or title to the goods. In contrast, an air waybill, though legally binding as a shipping contract, does not transfer ownership.
• Air Waybill vs. Shipping Label: The shipping label is the physical sticker attached to your package that displays key information such as addresses, barcodes, and routing details. The air waybill, however, is the broader legal document that contains all shipment data, instructions, and tracking information supporting the shipping label.
• Air Waybill vs. Consignment Note: A consignment note is a general term used for any document accompanying goods in transit, regardless of the transport method. The air waybill is simply the specific type of consignment note used for air transport, designed to meet international aviation standards and requirements.

Frequently asked questions about the air waybill

Ship with confidence

With every international shipment, the DHL Express air waybill serves as your assurance of a smooth, transparent, and reliable delivery experience. From tracking and customs clearance to proof of shipment, it keeps your package secure and traceable throughout its journey.

Backed by our global network and commitment to efficiency, you can ship anywhere in the world with complete peace of mind. Open your DHL Express business account today and experience fast, worry-free delivery backed by precision and care.