HAWB vs. MAWB: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Dua Fatima || Published on November 2, 2024
HAWB (House Air Waybill) is issued by freight forwarders for individual shipments, while MAWB (Master Air Waybill) is issued by airlines for multiple shipments consolidated by those forwarders.
Key Differences
A HAWB represents a contract of carriage for individual shipments handled by freight forwarders, detailing specific goods and their journey. In contrast, a MAWB covers the entire consolidated shipment carried by an airline, serving as a receipt to the freight forwarder.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
Freight forwarders issue HAWBs to shippers for each separate consignment, ensuring detailed tracking and handling instructions. The MAWB, however, is issued by the airline to the freight forwarder, consolidating all HAWB shipments under one document for the airline's purposes.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
HAWB allows shippers and recipients to track their specific shipments independently of other cargo. Meanwhile, the MAWB simplifies airline cargo management by grouping multiple shipments together, making it essential for customs and airport authorities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
For customs clearance, the details in the HAWB are crucial for individual shipments, whereas the MAWB information facilitates the overall clearance process of the consolidated cargo.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
HAWBs and MAWBs work together in the air freight process; HAWBs manage individual shipment details, while MAWBs oversee the collective transport, ensuring efficiency and organization in the logistics chain.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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HAWB and MAWB Definitions
HAWB
Represents a contract between the shipper and the freight forwarder.
The HAWB detailed the agreed upon delivery terms.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
MAWB
Acts as a receipt between the airline and freight forwarder.
The freight forwarder received the MAWB as proof of shipment.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
HAWB
Reflects specific handling and delivery instructions.
The HAWB specified Handle with Care for fragile items.
Dua Fatima
Feb 26, 2024
MAWB
Facilitates customs clearance for consolidated shipments.
The MAWB was presented to customs for the cargo's clearance.
Dua Fatima
Feb 26, 2024
HAWB
A document issued by freight forwarders for individual air freight shipments.
The HAWB listed the consignment's weight and dimensions.
Dua Fatima
Feb 26, 2024
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MAWB
A document issued by airlines for the entire consolidated cargo.
The MAWB contained information for all consolidated items.
Dua Fatima
Feb 26, 2024
HAWB
Used for tracking and managing individual shipments.
The tracking number on the HAWB helped locate the package.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
MAWB
Key for bulk shipment tracking and management.
The MAWB number was used to track the entire consignment's journey.
Dua Fatima
Feb 26, 2024
HAWB
Essential for customs clearance of each shipment.
Customs officials required the HAWB to process the goods.
Dua Fatima
Feb 26, 2024
MAWB
Consolidates multiple HAWBs for transport efficiency.
The MAWB unified numerous shipments under one bill.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a MAWB?
A Master Air Waybill is issued by airlines for consolidated shipments, acting as a receipt to the freight forwarder.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
Can a HAWB be used for tracking?
Yes, a HAWB allows for the tracking of specific shipments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
What is a HAWB?
A House Air Waybill is a document issued by freight forwarders for individual air freight shipments, detailing the transport of goods.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
Can a shipment have both a HAWB and MAWB?
Yes, individual shipments within a consolidated cargo will have both a HAWB and a MAWB.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
Who issues the HAWB?
Freight forwarders issue the HAWB for each separate consignment.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
What role does the MAWB play in tracking?
The MAWB is used for tracking the entire consolidated shipment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
Is the HAWB important for customs?
Yes, the HAWB provides detailed information necessary for the customs clearance of individual shipments.
Hifza Nasir
Nov 02, 2024
Who issues the MAWB?
The airline carrying the consolidated cargo issues the MAWB.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
How does the MAWB affect customs clearance?
The MAWB facilitates the customs clearance process for the entire consolidated cargo.
Hifza Nasir
Nov 02, 2024
Why is a MAWB necessary?
It streamlines cargo management and customs clearance for consolidated shipments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
What information does a MAWB contain?
A MAWB consolidates information for all shipments under one document for the airline.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
How do HAWB and MAWB work together?
They complement each other by managing individual and consolidated shipments within the air freight process.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
What's the difference in recipients between HAWB and MAWB?
The HAWB is directed towards the shipper or consignee, while the MAWB is issued to the freight forwarder.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
What information does a HAWB contain?
A HAWB includes details like shipment weight, dimensions, and handling instructions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 02, 2024
Why is a HAWB necessary?
It provides detailed tracking and customs information for individual shipments.
Dua Fatima
Nov 02, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
