What is an Air Waybill (AWB)?

An air waybill (AWB) is the single most important document in air freight and express courier shipping. Also known as a consignment note¹, it acts as a non-negotiable contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. It contains all the critical shipment details necessary to manage, transport, and track a parcel internationally. 

Whether you're a first-time shipper or managing regular exports, understanding the meaning of an air waybill and its components can help ensure smooth customs clearance, accurate delivery, and peace of mind.

The purposes of an air waybill

The defining characteristic of an air waybill is that it is non-negotiable. This means it is not a document of title, and cannot be transferred to change ownership of the goods. It ensures the shipment is delivered strictly to the consignee listed.

Here are the four core purposes of an AWB:

1. Contract of carriage
   
   
   • The AWB outlines the terms and conditions of carriage, establishing a legal agreement between the shipper and the carrier (e.g. DHL Express).
     
     
2. Proof of shipment and receipt of goods
   
   
   • Once signed by both parties, the air waybill serves as confirmation that the shipment was received in apparent good condition and handed over for transportation.
     
     
3. Customs processing and clearance
   
   
   • Customs authorities in both origin and destination countries use the information in the AWB to assess duties, taxes, and approve clearance of the shipment.
     
     
4. Handling and tracking
   
   
   • Couriers use the instructions on the AWB to sort and deliver the parcel accurately. The unique air waybill number enables real-time AWB tracking for shippers and recipients.

The information on an air waybill

The AWB contains detailed information to support every stage of the shipment process.

These are the five types of information typically included in a waybill:

1. Shipper (Sender) and consignee (receiver) details
   
   
   • Full name, contact number, address, email, and company name (if applicable) for both sender and receiver.
     
     
2. Carrier information
   
   
   • Courier or airline handling the shipment (e.g. DHL Express).
     
     
3. Shipment details
   
   
   • Number of pieces, gross and volumetric weight, description of goods, HS code, and nature of contents (e.g. documents, merchandise).
     
     
4. Declared value for customs
   
   
   • Used to calculate import taxes and duties by destination customs authorities.
     
     
5. Special handling instructions
   
   
   • Includes indicators like 'perishable', 'fragile', or 'handle with care' to guide delivery personnel.

Payer account number

For DHL Express shipments, the air waybill includes the DHL Express account number of the party responsible for the transportation fees. This ensures accurate billing and tracking.

IATA AWB numbers

Most AWBs follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standard format:

• 3-digit airline prefix to identify the issuing carrier
• 8-digit serial number that uniquely identifies each shipment

Combined, the format looks like this:

Example: 936-12345675

• 936 = DHL Express carrier code
• 12345675 = Unique shipment serial number assigned to that air waybill

This number is critical for AWB tracking, as it forms the basis of shipment identification throughout its international journey. No matter how you or other carriers are tracking shipments, this format ensures precise traceability.

Air waybill colors explained

Air waybills are produced in multiple copies, each color-coded for different stakeholders:

These standard copies help different parties access consistent information throughout the shipment’s lifecycle.

Track your shipments with the waybill number

The unique air waybill number or tracking number allows users to track their shipment end-to-end.

Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Visit DHL Express Singapore tracking page. 
2. Enter the 10-digit number stated on the waybill.

Creating a DHL Express air waybill

When you arrange a shipment with DHL Express, an air waybill is automatically produced as part of the booking process. This applies whether you are sending a single document, one parcel, or a larger shipment. You can choose from different options depending on your needs:

For one-time shipments 

If you’re shipping occasionally, you can create a waybill as a guest without needing an account. 

This is ideal for sending a single item or a small number of goods. Still, opening a DHL account is highly recommended — it saves your shipping history, speeds up repeat bookings with pre-set details, and makes managing shipments more convenient. Use our step-by-step guide to get started with creating your first waybill.

Use this step-by-step waybill creation guide to begin.

For frequent or bulk shipments 

Businesses that ship often or in larger volumes will benefit from a DHL Express business account. This account streamlines the process by giving you access to centralized tracking, better control across multiple users, and exclusive digital tools designed for enterprise-level shipping management.

Steps to print a DHL Express air waybill

If you are booking a DHL shipment online, printing or generating your waybill is quick and straightforward. Here’s how: 

• Step 1: Enter shipment details

Create your booking in MyDHL+ by entering all required shipment information.

• Step 2: Print the label

At the end of the booking process, you can choose to print the shipping label immediately. If you prefer not to print, a label-free option is available for individual shippers.

• Step 3: Attach the label (or use label-free)

Place the printed label inside a clear, adhesive pouch and secure it to the top of your package. If you’ve selected the label-free option, simply present the QR code to your DHL courier during pickup. This QR code ensures your package is correctly identified and processed without needing a physical label.

Alternatively, you can also indicate that you do not have a printer and we print out the AWB for you.

The difference between air waybills and other shipping documents

Your shipment's passport: The final word on AWBs

The air waybill is more than just a label – it's the official passport for your shipment. It functions as a:

• Legally binding contract, as the AWB formalises the agreement between the shipper and the carrier, defining responsibilities, liabilities, and terms of carriage for the shipment. 
• Customs clearance document, where customs authorities rely on the details within the AWB to assess and process duties and taxes efficiently. 
• Real-time tracking tool, since every AWB includes a unique tracking number that enables visibility at each stage of the shipment journey. 
• Proof of shipping and receipt, as once the shipment is handed over to the carrier, the AWB serves as documented evidence that the goods were received in good condition.

Understanding your AWB empowers you to ship smarter, with greater clarity and control over your international logistics.