Understanding the Importance of an AWB & Consignment Number in Shipping

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What is something all of us do on a daily basis effortlessly in the modern day? We say, it is placing orders. We place orders to buy clothes, furniture, electronics, medicine, and even groceries. The internet has brought us close to everything except for physical stores, well, all jokes apart – you can effortlessly place orders from anywhere in the world, and the consignment will reach you.

Is there something we are missing out on? Of course, we are! It is the AWB & Consignment Number. Firstly, let us get started with what is the AWB number.

What is AWB & Consignment Number?

In the shipping and logistics industry, documentation and tracking are essential for ensuring the smooth movement of goods. Two critical elements in this process are the Air Waybill (AWB) and the consignment number.

To simply put it – the Air Waybill (AWB) means the document issued by an airline or an agent that serves as a receipt for the goods being shipped and as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.

On the other hand, the consignment number, also known as a tracking number, is a unique identifier assigned to a shipment. It is used by logistics companies to track and manage the movement of goods from the point of origin to the final destination.

Why is the AWB Important?

The AWB is important for the following reasons

  • The AWB serves as a legal binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which the goods are transported. The details of the responsibilities and liabilities of both the carrier and the shipper are included.
  • Every AWB has a unique number that lets the shipper, consignee, and carrier track and monitor the status and location of the shipment in real-time.
  • It also acts like an airline to the shipper, which confirms that the goods have been received for shipment.
  • The AWB has important information for customs authorities, which includes information about the cargo, and destination. This facilitates the clearance process at the destination country’s customs.
  • It provides the necessary details for billing and financial accounting, ensuring that all parties involved are correctly invoiced and payments are accurately processed.

Why is the Consignment Number Important?

The consignment number is important for the reasons listed below:

  • The consignment number is important for tracking the shipment, and the shippers and consignees could use this number to get real-time updates on the status and location of their goods.
  • Customer service teams trust the consignment number to cater to address inquiries and resolve issues related to shipment delays and more.
  • The consignment number frequently interlinks with the delivery proof systems, which document the successful delivery of goods.
  • This number assists logistics companies in managing their operations more effectively by introducing automated systems to sort, deliver, and route packages accurately.

Conclusion

Now that you know the consignment number and its importance, make sure that you do not forget it, and use it when you place an order from anywhere to track your parcels. These two numbers are important like no other in the spectrum of deliveries and shipping – and now you know exactly how they work too.