An Air Waybill (AWB) is a contract between the shipper and airline that states the terms and conditions of transportation. There are two types of air waybills used for the international transportation of air cargo:
- The "airline air waybill", with preprinted issuing carrier identification,
- The "neutral air waybill" without preprinted identification of the issuing carrier in any form and used by other bodies than air carriers.
The IATA Cargo Services Conference (CSC) is responsible for the development and maintenance of Air Waybill specifications and standards:
- Resolution 600a provides the governing rules on the use of air waybill, technical specifications, completion instructions, distribution of copies and applicable conditions when transmitting air waybill information electronically.
- Resolutions 600b and 600b(II) provide the guidleines for the Conditions of Contract and notices included in the air waybill.