House Airway Bill (HAWB)

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What is a House Airway Bill? 

A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is a document issued by a freight forwarder to the shipper upon receipt of the shipment for air transport. It functions as a receipt for the cargo and delineates the obligations of the freight forwarder. The HAWB is one of the pivotal documents in air freight, used from the point a package is handed over to the freight forwarder, until its delivery.

Key Functions of a House Airway Bill

The HAWB serves several key functions in shipping:

  • Receipt of Cargo: They stand as proof that the shipper has transferred the goods to the freight forwarder.
  • Contract of Carriage: These documents outline the terms and conditions under which the freight forwarder agrees to transport the cargo.
  • Title of the Goods: Both documents can serve as evidence of the ownership of the merchandise.
  • Customs Declarations: They are often used as supporting documents in clearing goods through customs.

 

Differences Between a House Bill of Lading (B/L) and an HAWB

Although they serve similar functions, there are distinct differences between these two types of documents due to the modes of transportation they are associated with:

  • Mode-Specific Attributes: The House B/L is designed for sea freight and usually accommodates larger shipments. On the other hand, the HAWB is tailored for air freight, which often deals with more time-sensitive deliveries.
  • Transit Times: Time constraints associated with air freight generally result in the Airway Bill procedures being quicker than those of the maritime documents.
  • Volume of Cargo: Air freight typically handles smaller, lighter parcels, making the procedures for HAWB relatively different compared to the House B/L.