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The Role of Air Transport Documents in Logistics

20.06.2025
İremsu Ateş İremsu Ateş
The Role of Air Transport Documents in Logistics

Air cargo transportation, today appears as a fast, reliable, and effective mode of transportation. However, like all other types of transportation, this mode also requires the use of various logistics documents. Proper use of the air waybill can make all processes in air transportation more efficient and increase the success rate of businesses.

Air Waybill (Air Waybill)

The air waybill, also abbreviated as AWB, is a very important air cargo document in air transportation procedures. The air waybill protects the rights of the sender and receiver while also meeting legal requirements. 

The air waybill, also called AWB, is designed primarily to prevent disputes between parties in cargo transportation transactions.

When preparing the air waybill, the content and format of the document are determined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA has established rules and guidelines that specify all the information that must be included in the air waybill and the design of the document.

Information required for preparing the air waybill includes; the names and addresses of the sender and receiver, number of packages, weight and volume, places of shipment and delivery, transportation charges, insurance details, carrier's name, date, and signature.

Invoice

The invoice, another important document used during air transportation, indicates the sales value of the goods being transported. The invoice is used during customs procedures and is necessary for import and export transactions of the goods.

Provisional Bill of Lading

The provisional bill of lading, a term frequently used during customs clearance, is used when the cargo leaves the transportation vehicle. It can be considered a kind of air waybill. Thanks to this document, the cargo owner or recipient can learn all details such as which vehicle the cargo was loaded onto, at which port it will be unloaded, which customs procedures it will go through, and similar information.

The provisional bill of lading is especially common in intermodal transportation. Intermodal transportation involves using multiple modes of transport to carry the cargo. For example, during sea freight, containers are transported by ships, while different transportation vehicles are used for road or air freight. In such cases, the cargo owner or recipient needs the provisional bill of lading to track all stages of the cargo's transportation.

Packing List

The Packing List is an air cargo document that provides information about the packaging and marking methods of the transported goods. This document is used to protect the goods during packaging and transportation.

Certificate of Origin

The Certificate of Origin is a document that indicates the country where the goods were produced or processed. This document is used during customs procedures and is necessary for import and export transactions.

Air Consignment Note

The air consignment note is a very important document needed during air transportation. It shows that the cargo will be transported by the carrier and that the cargo owner will pay the transportation fee. The air consignment note acts as a contract between the sender and the receiver and protects their rights and obligations in case of any issues during the transportation process.

Consignment note indicates that the cargo has been received, shows where the cargo is being transported from and to, the transportation dates, and the transportation fee. It also includes instructions for packaging and marking the cargo. The air consignment note is accepted as a declaration that the carrier will transport the cargo safely and that the cargo owner will pay the transportation fee. 

The consignment note also specifies the responsibilities of the carrier. These responsibilities include ensuring the safe transportation of the cargo, preparing the necessary documents for delivery, delivering the cargo at the destination on time, and paying compensation in case of damage. The air consignment note also shows that the carrier has the authority to carry the cargo and gives confidence to the cargo owner that the carrier will fulfill its responsibilities. 

Transport Contract

The transport contract is one of the most important air cargo documents needed to carry out the transportation. It indicates that the carrier agrees to transport the cargo and that the cargo owner agrees to pay the necessary fee. This document also prevents potential disputes between the parties during the transportation process.

These documents are among the most important logistics documents used in air cargo transportation. Proper use of these documents ensures reliable cooperation between shippers and receivers. This increases the success rate of businesses.

The Importance of Air Cargo Documents

Air freight transportation is widely preferred today. However, this type of transportation also involves many documents. Correct and timely preparation of air cargo documents is very important in the transportation process. Regular and complete preparation of air cargo documents ensures that all steps in the transportation process proceed smoothly. Therefore, companies engaged in air freight transportation must be very careful about logistics documents.

Advantages of Air Cargo Documents

Air logistics is a faster and more reliable mode of transportation compared to other methods. However, the correct use of logistics documents can make this process even faster and more reliable. Here are the benefits provided by air cargo documents:

Security

Air cargo documents ensure the safe transportation of the shipment. When the air waybill is approved by the receiver, it guarantees that the shipment will be transported securely. This provides a better transportation experience for both the sender and the recipient.

Tracking Ease

The air cargo document facilitates tracking the shipment. The location of the shipment, expected delivery time, and other important information can be monitored through air cargo documents. This allows customers to always keep track of the current status of their shipments.

Regular Information Updates

Air cargo documents provide regular updates. The location of the shipment, expected delivery time, and other key details are regularly communicated to customers via the air cargo document. This ensures customers are always informed about the status of their shipments.

Payment Convenience

The air waybill facilitates payment. The shipment fee can be paid through the air cargo document. This makes it easier for customers to pay for their shipments. After the payment is completed, the delivery process begins.

Cost-Effectiveness

Air cargo documents offer a cost-effective transportation experience. Although air logistics is faster and more reliable than other methods, it can sometimes be expensive. However, proper documentation can reduce transportation costs and offer a cost-effective solution to customers.

 

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