At a glance
| Document | When it is used | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Supports import clearance and customs value | Seller or exporter |
| Packing list | Shows packages, contents, dimensions and weights | Seller, exporter or packer |
| Air waybill | Records carriage and provides shipment tracking | Airline or freight forwarder |
| Certificate of origin | Required by destination, buyer, bank or preference scheme | Exporter or authorized body, depending on the scheme |
| Dangerous goods declaration | Cargo is regulated as dangerous goods | Trained shipper under the applicable air rules |
| Export licence or filing | Goods, destination, end user or value triggers it | Exporter or authorized agent |
| Health or phytosanitary certificate | Food, animal or plant cargo requires official controls | Competent authority |
In practice
An air waybill is not an ocean bill
An air waybill accompanies the cargo and is non-negotiable. It does not function as an order bill of lading that can be endorsed to transfer control of the goods. The carrier or forwarder supplies the AWB number and issues the record.
Dimensions affect the charge
Air freight is commonly rated using chargeable weight, which compares actual gross weight with dimensional weight under the carrier's tariff. Give package dimensions and weights accurately so the booking and final charge are based on the same cargo.
Special cargo needs an earlier check
Batteries, chemicals, perishables, animals and temperature-controlled goods can trigger packaging, marking, declaration and acceptance rules. Confirm classification and carrier acceptance before delivering cargo to the terminal.
Use it
Questions
+Can FreightStow issue an air waybill?
No. The airline or freight forwarder issues the air waybill. FreightStow can prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, origin documents and forwarding instructions that support the shipment.
+Is a bill of lading used for air freight?
Air cargo travels under an air waybill. Ocean and some multimodal movements use bills of lading.
Sources
Requirements vary by country and shipment. These primary references support the general guidance above.