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Looking for the best eAWB tools in 2024?
This article will explore eAWB software, the different types of eAWB, and five tools to generate the document.
We’ll also cover five key benefits you can expect from eAWB software and discuss how e freight fits into the picture.
In the air cargo industry, the import and export of goods via air freight requires certain necessary documents to get air cargo across the border.
Typically, forwarders and suppliers needed an air waybill (AWB) for the transportation of goods through trade lanes in the air cargo process.
Today, you can use an e-air waybill (eAWB), which is an electronic document or version of the paper air waybill. e AWB implementation allows your business to use electronic data interchange (EDI) instead of paper-based documentation.
How do you generate an e AWB?
Forwarding software solutions can help you easily create an electronic air waybill to send to any airline. eAWB software also saves you time by simplifying and accelerating the entire air freight process, resulting in fewer mistakes and many other benefits.
FYI: The air cargo industry doesn't require the importer security filing (ISF) form. Importer security filing is usually meant for ocean carriers who import into the U.S.
Let’s go over the different types of eAWB you can generate.
There are different forms of the air waybill, including:
This document protects the goods and states the terms and conditions of the carriage. A Master Air Waybill is subject to the rules of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and international air conventions.
The House Air Waybill is what the forwarder issues to the shipper to state their terms and conditions and confirm the agreement to deliver the goods. It’s usually issued to the shipper after the receipt of the shipment.
The electronic consignment security declaration is a regulatory document that protects the cargo. It allows forwarders to exchange security information through an electronic message that guarantees only secure goods are shipped.
Looking for good forwarding software with a smooth and effortless e AWB implementation? We’ve compiled a list of the top tools to manage eAWBs.
With Shipthis, you can simplify and automate the air cargo process by using its eAWB feature.
The eAWB feature allows each freight forwarder to streamline their work with multiple airlines. Additionally, it enables users to automatically monitor their air cargo by accessing real-time updates on their freight movement.
Discover all of Shipthis’s amazing features.
Shipthis’ freight forwarding software starts at $89/month per user.
Magaya offers an eAWB plugin with their freight forwarder software. Their plugin can send electronic messages from forwarders to airlines, provide security and quality assurance, and allows users to print paper documents.
Magaya’s pricing is available upon request.
Boltrics uses an e-AWB platform called Cargonaut to create and send e-AWBs to airlines. Forwarders can also exchange electronic data between all parties involved. It supports e-AWBs, AWB, HAWB, customs documents, transportation orders, and pre-bookings.
Boltrics’ pricing is available upon request.
Reige’s Scope platform handles air and sea freight and customs. This freight software solution also provides an e-AWB editor and integrated flight scheduling so the user can view valid flights for easy selection.
Additionally, it offers an electronic message feature allowing users to relay messages and related content with airlines.
Scope’s pricing is available upon request.
SmartAWB offers an AWB generator to create the electronic document and facilitate e AWB exchange with airlines. This cloud platform also provides a tracking module, allowing users to update and track each shipment live and get email notifications.
SmartAWB’s plans start at $14/month.
Next, let’s discuss the benefits of using eAWB software.
Forwarders, airlines, and air freight agents can benefit from using eAWB software in various ways.
They can enjoy:
Since the forwarder or air freight agent can directly update an eAWB, the shipment data is more accurate than a paper Air Waybill. The agents can make last-minute changes, in real-time, up until the air cargo arrives at the station.
The electronic airway bill is a paperless solution. So, users can spend less on document processing, storage, and transportation costs.
It lets you avoid carrier fees as well as manually sending your paper documents via post or courier from the warehouse to the flight.
eAWBs eliminate the need for:
And that’s not all…
They also eliminate waiting times for air cargo operations since all parties can instantly access precise information and move cargo as planned.
Using eAWBs can save a shocking 24 hours!
It also expedites the customs clearance process and allows forwarders and carriers to share and receive essential information before the arrival of the goods.
By eliminating paper-based AWB information exchanges between air cargo agents and airlines, the electronic airway bill is a step towards saving the environment. It reduces tonnes of paper that the air cargo industry uses on printing AWBs annually.
Now, the use of the electronic air waybill was introduced to create a smooth and efficient air freight forwarding experience.
Let’s see how.
The aim of e freight is to build a paperless transportation process for air cargo using high-quality data, electronic data interchange, and a regulatory framework.
It’s an industry-wide endeavor involving different stakeholders in the supply chain, like freight forwarders, ground handling agents (ground handler), and customs brokers.
e-Freight could also remove these three documents from the freight forwarding process:
Fun fact: eAWB became the default contract of carriage between shippers and air carriers for all air cargo shipments on enabled trade lanes on 1 January 2019. This has ushered in a new era where digital processes are the norm and paper is the exception.
Simplify your cargo operations and the process of working with air carriers by investing in a solid eAWB software solution — like Shipthis.
eAWB software is all about digitizing the freight forwarding industry.
And partnering with Shipthis will help your business evolve into a digitized freight forwarding solution by simplifying the e AWB exchange.
Want to get started today?
Book a free demo of Shipthis.
