What documents do you need in air freight logistics, and what are the characteristics of air freight transport? In this blog post, we will cover these topics.
With the continuous development of technology, speed has become one of the most critical factors in both our daily lives and the business world. In this era, where production times have shortened and production speed has increased, air transport has secured an important place. Air transportation is known to be the fastest and safest mode of transport.
E-exporters selling in international marketplaces prefer to deliver their products to their customers by air due to its speed. Regardless of the mode of transport, you can find the steps you need to follow to deliver your products to the whole world through e-export, along with the documents required for e-export, in our relevant content.
What Are the Features of Air Transport?
Air transport is evaluated at a distinct level compared to other modes of transport due to its specific superior characteristics. One of the most important advantages of air cargo delivery is the shortened delivery times thanks to high speed. Accordingly, high levels of safety and reliability, and the maximum care shown in handling cargo compared to other transport methods, can be listed among its other key features.
On the other hand, air logistics is carried out using specific documents that protect the rights of individuals and organizations throughout the transportation process. At the same time, because it is the transportation method least affected by subsequent political relations and adversities between countries, air cargo transport is a highly attractive option.
To perform logistics by air, a "Master Air Waybill" (MAWB), also known as the "Air Cargo Waybill" or "Air Waybill", is signed between the forwarder firm and the relevant airline company performing the transport, and the transport is carried out in line with the principles of this document. Let's analyze both the Master Air Waybill and other documents required for air cargo transport one by one below:
• Master Air Waybill
• House Air Waybill
• Cargo Manifesto
• Cargo Transfer Manifesto
• Charge Correction Advice
• Cargo Account Advice
• Advice of Non-Delivery
• Cargo Damage Report
1. Master Air Waybill (MAWB)
This document, signed between the shipper and the airline company carrying the air cargo, is executed within the scope of the "Air Cargo Waybill" or "Air Waybill" (AWB). The Air Waybill (AWB) can also be used for individual or combined shipments from one point to another. The phrase "performance of the promised work" in this contract covers the rights of the shipper, carrier, and consignee.
This transport document is issued in twelve copies, three of which are originals. The first of these copies belongs to the airline, the second to the consignee, and the third copy belongs to the shipper. As long as the third copy of the air waybill remains in the seller's hands, the seller has the right to present this copy to the carrier agency and change the shipping conditions, or even the recipient of the goods, before the goods are delivered to the buyer. Therefore, this right granted to the shipper poses a significant risk for both the buyer and the bank. To minimize this risk, the third copy of the air waybill is requested to be presented to the banks.
2. House Air Waybill (HAWB)
Air waybills issued on behalf of actual shippers and loaders are prepared on behalf of the loader for long-term shipping transactions.
House air waybills, structurally similar to the master air waybill, are prepared by IATA-authorized air cargo agents and freight forwarders, and serve to document that the shipped cargo has been received.
3. Cargo Manifesto
This document is prepared for air cargo transport. It is written in English, clearly and in capital letters. A cargo manifesto, showing the characteristics of the transported goods, the conditions required for transport, and the delivery locations, must be prepared during the air cargo transport process. The cargo manifesto, prepared in accordance with the airway bill, must be written in English.
Just like on the airway bill, the cargo manifesto must include the loader's full name, address, city, country, phone information, and the airport and airport city where the goods will be shipped from and delivered to. If the transported cargo falls under the class of dangerous goods, detailed information regarding this cargo must also be specified.
4. Cargo Transfer Manifesto
The cargo transfer manifesto demonstrates that a cargo transfer has taken place between two companies. It is a document used when freight carriage charges are transferred to the initial carrier or another carrier. The carrier receiving the transfer assumes all liabilities for subsequent transfers and any delays. In unfavorable situations such as damage, loss, or depreciation that may occur during transport, the information regarding who bears responsibility is specified in the transfer manifesto.
5. Charge Correction Advice
The charge correction advice is warning document used to correct issues such as cargo weight being shown as less or more, incorrect cargo pricing, and errors arising from tariff mistakes.
6. Cargo Account Advice
The cargo account advice is a document prepared to assist accounting and streamline processes. It is used to collect fees not specified in the airway bill but indicated by the shipper to be paid by them, or to collect expenses not specified in the airway bill but indicated as payable by the buyer from the buyer.
7. Advice of Non-Delivery
According to IATA, this is a document issued by the final carrier to be delivered to the carrier holding the airway bill. If the cargo shipment is not collected from the delivery point within 14 days, or if issues arise that prevent the delivery of the cargo cargo, an advice of non-delivery is issued.
8. Cargo Damage Report
The cargo damage report is a document used to report damage when the value of the shipped air cargo, as stated in the airway bill, decreases. It facilitates taking the necessary actions.
Finally, the Air Waybill is a receipt and is not a negotiable document. The ownership of the goods cannot be transferred through the endorsement and delivery of this document, also known as the airway bill. The goods are delivered to whomever is named as the recipient on the issued document.
International Organizations in Air Transportation
Certain international organizations and institutions exist to ensure safe transport within the framework of rules established for air travel.
Among these institutions, the International Air Transport Association, or IATA, was established by air carriers to regulate air traffic, develop an economical air transport model, set cargo rates and procedures regarding the technical specifications of aircraft, and ensure cooperation and coordination with other international organizations.
Other important institutions and organizations responsible for providing relevant services in air cargo transport include IATA agents, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, logistics companies, air carriers, and ground handling organizations.
What Are the Types of Air Cargo Transportation?
Various equipment is utilized to perform air logistics safely and without damage. This equipment includes cargo nets, pallet nets, closed igloos, container types, and pallets. The seamless transport of cargo by air is achieved by placing the cargo into the most suitable of these equipment types.
What Is the Legal Framework of International Air Transportation?
In Turkish legislation, the Ministry of Transport is the organization responsible for regulating air transportation, and legal regulations and changes are provided by the Civil Aviation Law and other regulations.
In international air transport, the relevant regulations, terms, and conditions of the Warsaw Convention and the Hague Protocol constitute the basis of the legal framework for international air logistics.
