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There are two types of international air transportation billing methods: MAWB/HAWB (Master Airway Bill) and HAWB (House Airway Bill).
(MAWB) Master Airway Bill
MAWB stands for Master Airway Bill, abbreviated as Master Bill, also called Airline Waybill or Carrier Waybill. The master bill is issued by each airline. In terms of content, the consignor of the airway bill of lading is the actual consignor, and the consignee is the actual consignee.
(HAWB) House Airway Bill
HAWB means airway bill, or sub-bill, also known as China shipping agent‘s bill. The sub-bill is issued by each freight forwarder. When issuing sub-bill, Master Airway Bill+House Airway Bill+Manifest.
Under what circumstances to issue Master Airway Bill or HAWB ? Corresponding role.
MAWB
Master Airway Bill means that the consignee and consignor on the air waybill are the actual consignee and consignor in the end, and the actual consignee (who has the ability to clear the customs) will clear the customs directly.
When using Master Airway Bill, the freight charges on the waybill can only show prepaid PP, but not to pay CC, because there is only one master bill, that is, the waybill issued by the airline, and this waybill shows the relationship between booking agent and freight forwarder.
No matter whether the cargo arrives safely or in full at the destination, the airline will charge this transportation fee.
When using Master Airway Bill, the shipper and consignee on the air waybill are the actual shipper and the actual consignee. Because the air waybill is not a document of property right, it is not good for the shipper to control the goods.
Some countries even if there is no bill of lading, as long as the consignee and the local customs system on the right, can directly put the goods.
Here are some more detailed explanations about bill of lading:
HAWB
When the actual consignee does not have the ability to clear the customs or other reasons need the agent of the destination port to clear the customs, it is necessary to issue a House Airway Bill.
In this case, the consignee on the main air waybill should fill in the name and address of the agent company in the port of destination, and the consignee on the House Airway Bill will show the real final consignee.
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When HAWB is issued, the consignor is better to control the goods. Can ask the destination agent to control the goods, only to get the origin of the shipper or freight forwarding release instructions can be released to the actual consignee of the goods.
Freight forwarders or customers need to use the form of consolidation consignment, will be more than one shipment of goods assembled into a single delivery to the airline carrier. When delivering the goods to the airline, the airline will issue the master air waybill to the freight forwarder according to the one-ticket cargo.
The freight forwarder then issues different sub-documents to different customers according to different customers. This saves on the cost of freight, because the price of international air transportation is different for each class.
The problem of freight on the bill of lading, some South American countries will charge tax according to the high freight on the bill of lading, the consignee in order to reasonably avoid the tax out of the sub-list to modify the freight.
Freight to pay (CC), usually also issued a separate bill.
If you are inquiring about an air freight forwarder from China to the US, consider Xiongda.
What is the meaning of CC and PP on bill of lading?
Freight Collect (CC) to pay, freight prepaid (PP) prepaid.
Freight Collect: Freight to pay, the consignee of the port of destination to pay shipping charges. Generally, it is in FOB.
If CFR or CIF transaction, then it is Freight prepaid, freight prepaid, by the consignor SHIPPER to pay ocean freight.
Freight Collect: Freight Collect: I don’t know what kind of transaction you are doing? This payment method is generally used for FOB, the so-called FOB, is: FREE ON BOARD, commonly known as FOB. This payment method can save cost for the seller and reduce the operation procedure.
Freight Prepaid Bill of Lading (Freight Prepaid B/L): the transaction price of CIF, CFR conditions for freight prepaid, according to the provisions of the consignment of goods, freight must be prepaid. In the case of freight prepaid bill of lading issued, known as freight prepaid bill of lading.
This bill of lading and then the front of the “freight prepaid” (Freight Prepaid; Freight Paid) words, after payment, if the goods are lost, freight is not refundable.
Shipping from China to the USA
Understanding the Master Airway Bill (MAWB) is essential for effective freight planning. When organizing air freight from China to USA, the MAWB acts as the primary contract between the airline carrier and your freight forwarder. If you operate as the direct consignee on this master bill, you can achieve faster transit times. This allows your team to handle US customs clearance immediately upon arrival at the airport without waiting for a secondary agent’s document release.
However, using a direct MAWB means you must pay close attention to your shipping cost calculation, as airlines typically require freight prepaid terms before departure. While this method streamlines documentation for direct importers handling shipping from China to USA, it offers less cargo control for the seller than using a House Airway Bill (HAWB). Grasping these specific billing differences ensures a smooth and compliant supply chain process when organizing your shipping from China to the USA.
To explore more air cargo strategies and documentation rules, read our Complete guide to shipping from China to the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a MAWB and a HAWB when shipping from China to the US?
When organizing air freight from China to the United States, you will encounter two main documents. The Master Airway Bill (MAWB) is issued directly by the airline to your freight forwarder, acting as the primary contract of carriage. In contrast, the House Airway Bill (HAWB) is issued by your freight forwarder to you, the final importer. Understanding this difference helps you track your shipment and manage your US customs clearance effectively.
Can I use a Master Airway Bill to clear US customs faster?
Yes, being listed as the direct consignee on a Master Airway Bill can speed up your US customs clearance. When shipping from China to the USA under a direct MAWB, your company can process the import paperwork immediately upon the cargo’s arrival at the American airport. You avoid waiting for a destination agent to release a secondary sub-bill, allowing for faster transit times and quicker access to your inventory.
Does a Master Airway Bill affect my payment terms when importing from China?
Yes, the MAWB can impact your freight payment structure. Airlines issuing a Master Airway Bill typically require shipping costs to be prepaid before the cargo leaves the Chinese airport. If you are shipping from China to the USA, this means your freight forwarder must settle the airline fees upfront. Consequently, you will likely need to pay your forwarder in advance rather than arranging freight collect terms upon arrival in America.