MAWB and HAWB: Master and House Air Waybills
MAWB and HAWB represent different levels of an air freight shipment: the airline movement and the individual customer shipment within that movement.
Definition
The Master Air Waybill (MAWB) covers carriage between the issuing forwarder and the airline. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) describes an individual customer shipment, especially within a consolidation. One master shipment may therefore contain several house shipments.
Why does it matter?
Tracking, document allocation and import clearance depend on using the right reference. The airline normally works with the MAWB, while consignees and forwarders may also use the HAWB.
Key points
- MAWB: relationship between the forwarder or agent and the airline.
- HAWB: relationship between the forwarder and the individual customer.
- Direct shipments may use a simpler document structure.
Practical example
Three customer shipments travel together from Frankfurt to Chicago. Each has a HAWB, while the consolidated shipment is handed to the airline under one MAWB.
Common mistakes
- Providing only the HAWB when the airline expects the MAWB
- Failing to reconcile house and master weights
- Not telling the consignee which reference is relevant for tracking
General professional information, not legal or customs advice. Requirements may vary by goods, route and current regulations.