Get to know the vital terms of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
A House Air Waybill (HAWB) plays a critical role in air freight management as it represents the receipt for the shipment to be transported by air. It is used by a freight forwarder and provided to a shipper, which allows the freight forwarder to accumulate shipments from various shippers for shipping purposes. Here is a breakdown of what a HAWB is and its importance:
Key Components of a HAWB
The HAWB contains essential information about the shipment, including:
Weight and Dimensions: Detailed measurements of the cargo were taken.
Consignor and Consignee: The identity and address of the sender(consignor) and the identity and address of the recipient (consignee).
Description of Goods: Particular information about the goods being shipped such as their characteristics and value.
Terms and Conditions: Information about how they are handled and who is responsible in case of their transport.
Freight Charges: Expenses linked with the shipment and payment terms that are generally incurred.
Special Instructions: Any special conditions that are required to be followed for managing the cargo.
Importance of a HAWB
Receipt for Goods
A HAWB serves as an acknowledgment by the freight forwarder that they have taken possession of the goods from the shipper. It serves as an acknowledgment that items have been delivered for transportation.
Consolidation of Cargo
This is because freight forwarders employ HAWBs as a way of combining several shipments from different shippers into a single shipment. This process is also useful in improving the organization of space and a reduction of the cost incurred on shipments.
Tracking and Tracing
The HAWB has a special tracking number that both the shipper and consignee can use to follow the shipment’s movement in transit.
Customs Clearance
The HAWB is important for facilities customs procedures. It contains specific data that customs agencies require to process the shipment for import or export.
HAWB vs. Bill of Lading
However, it is important to mention that a HAWB is not comparable to a bill of lading. As opposed to a bill of lading which is a contract of carriage that stipulates the terms of transporting goods between the shipper and the carrier, a HAWB is mostly an acknowledgement given by the freight forwarder. While the bill of lading has legal relevance to the ownership and transfer of goods, the HAWB does not.
Legal and Documentation Role
Although the HAWB is not considered as a title document like the bill of lading, it still carries legal implications. It describes the conditions in which the forwarder accepts the delivery of the goods, terms of liability, and conditions that require special attention.
Conclusion
To sum up, the House Air Waybill (HAWB) is one of the important documents of the air freight logistics chain. It serves the function of a receipt, aids in the consolidation of shipments, and assists with tracking and customs formalities. Anyone involved in transporting goods by air needs to have an understanding of what an HAWB is and detailed information about the document.