Complete Air Waybill Tracking Guide

What is an Air Waybill (AWB)?

An Air Waybill (also written as airwaybill, air way bill, or airway bill) is the single most important document in international air cargo transportation. The AWB serves three critical functions:

1. Contract of Carriage: It legally binds the shipper and airline to transport the goods according to specified terms.
2. Receipt: It confirms that the airline has received the cargo for shipment.
3. Instructions: It provides handling, routing, and delivery instructions for the cargo.

Every air cargo shipment requires an AWB, and the unique AWB number (also called an airway bill number) is your key to tracking your shipment from origin to destination.

Understanding AWB Numbers: The Complete Breakdown

A standard IATA (International Air Transport Association) air waybill number consists of exactly 11 digits, formatted as a 3-digit airline prefix followed by an 8-digit serial number. Here's the complete structure:

The 11-Digit AWB Format

• Airline Prefix (Digits 1-3): These three numbers uniquely identify the carrier. For example, 020 represents Lufthansa Cargo, 125 is IAG Cargo/British Airways, and 157 is Qatar Airways. This prefix is standardized by IATA and never changes for a given airline.
• Serial Number (Digits 4-11): This 8-digit number is unique to your specific shipment. The airline assigns this sequentially, ensuring no two shipments have the same complete AWB number.

Example: An AWB number like 020-58717481 breaks down as:

• Prefix: 020 (Lufthansa Cargo)
• Serial: 58717481 (Unique shipment identifier)

How to Track an Air Waybill: Step-by-Step Guide

Tracking your airway bill or air waybill is straightforward with airwaybilltracker.com:

Step 1: Locate Your AWB Number

Your air waybill number can be found on several documents:

• The original AWB document (paper or electronic)
• Shipping confirmation emails from your freight forwarder or airline
• Commercial invoices or packing lists
• Booking confirmations from cargo booking systems

Step 2: Enter Your AWB Number

Visit airwaybilltracker.com and enter your complete 11-digit airway bill number in the search box. You can enter it with or without the dash (e.g., 020-58717481 or 02058717481). Our intelligent air waybill tracker automatically detects the airline prefix and formats the number correctly.

Step 3: Get Redirected to Official Tracking

Our system instantly identifies the carrier from the prefix and redirects you directly to that airline's official tracking portal. This ensures you receive real-time, accurate tracking information directly from the source, not delayed or reformatted data from third-party aggregators.

Why Use airwaybilltracker.com

airwaybilltracker.com is a reliable airway bill tracker and air waybill tracker with several key features:

1. Comprehensive Carrier Coverage

We support over 45 major airlines and cargo carriers worldwide, including all major integrators (FedEx, DHL, UPS), European carriers (Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, British Airways), Middle Eastern carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad), Asian carriers (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, ANA, Japan Airlines), and freight specialists (Cargolux, Atlas Air, Polar Air Cargo). See our complete list of supported airlines.

2. Direct Carrier Integration

Unlike other AWB tracking sites that embed or scrape tracking data, we redirect you directly to the airline's official portal. This means:

• Real-time updates: No delays from data aggregation
• Complete information: Access to full status history, delivery confirmations, and customs clearance details
• Official support: Direct links to carrier customer service and claim forms
• Accuracy: No formatting errors or missing data from third-party parsing

3. Intelligent Format Detection

Our air waybill tracker automatically handles various AWB formats:

• Standard 11-digit IATA AWBs (e.g., 020-58717481)
• FedEx tracking numbers (12 or 14 digits)
• DHL express tracking (10 digits)
• UPS tracking numbers (including 1Z format)
• Numbers with or without dashes

4. Free and Accessible

airwaybilltracker.com is completely free to use, with no registration required, no tracking limits, and no hidden fees. Our mission is to make air waybill tracking accessible to shippers, receivers, and freight forwarders worldwide.

Common Airline Prefixes: Quick Reference

Here are the most frequently used airline prefixes you'll encounter when tracking airway bills:

• 001 - American Airlines Cargo
• 006 - Delta Cargo
• 014 - Air Canada Cargo
• 020 - Lufthansa Cargo
• 023 - FedEx (also supports direct tracking numbers)
• 057 - Air France-KLM Cargo
• 074 - KLM Cargo
• 075 - British Airways / IAG Cargo
• 125 - IAG Cargo
• 157 - Qatar Airways Cargo
• 160 - Cathay Pacific Cargo
• 176 - Emirates SkyCargo
• 180 - Korean Air Cargo
• 205 - ANA Cargo
• 235 - Turkish Cargo
• 406 - UPS (also supports 1Z format)
• 607 - Etihad Cargo
• 615 - DHL Express (also supports direct tracking)
• 618 - Singapore Airlines Cargo
• 724 - Swiss World Cargo

For the complete list of all supported carriers, visit our Supported Airlines page.

Master Air Waybill (MAWB) vs House Air Waybill (HAWB)

Understanding the difference between MAWB and HAWB is crucial for effective air waybill tracking:

Master Air Waybill (MAWB)

The Master Air Waybill (also called the Master AWB or MAWB) is issued directly by the airline. This is the primary document that airwaybilltracker.com tracks. The MAWB covers the entire shipment from origin airport to destination airport.

House Air Waybill (HAWB)

A House Air Waybill (also called House AWB or HAWB) is issued by a freight forwarder when they consolidate multiple shipments. The HAWB is used for the forwarder's internal tracking, while the underlying MAWB is what the airline uses. To track with airwaybilltracker.com, you'll need the MAWB number, not the HAWB.

Tracking Statuses: What Do They Mean?

When you track your air waybill through the carrier's portal, you'll encounter various status updates. Here's what common statuses mean:

• Booked: The shipment has been reserved with the airline but not yet received
• Received: The cargo has been accepted at the origin airport
• In Transit: The shipment is en route, either on a flight or between flights
• Arrived: The cargo has landed at the destination or transit airport
• Customs Clearance: The shipment is being processed through customs
• Ready for Pickup: The cargo is available for collection at the destination
• Delivered: The shipment has been successfully delivered to the consignee

Frequently Asked Questions About AWB Tracking

For detailed answers to common questions about air waybill tracking, airway bill numbers, and using our AWB tracker, visit our comprehensive FAQ page.

Best Practices for Air Waybill Tracking

1. Track Regularly: Check your airway bill status daily, especially for time-sensitive shipments
2. Save Your AWB Number: Keep your air waybill number in a safe place - you'll need it for customs, insurance claims, and delivery coordination
3. Use Official Sources: Always track through the airline's official portal (which airwaybilltracker.com directs you to) for the most accurate information
4. Contact Carrier Directly: If you notice unusual delays or status issues, contact the airline's cargo customer service directly using the contact information on their tracking page
5. Track Multiple AWBs: If you have multiple shipments, use our recent history feature to quickly switch between different air waybill numbers