What Is A Type Of Air Transport Document? Latest Regulations 2024

1. What is a type of air transport document

Type of air transport documents are documents and papers related to the process of transporting goods by air. These documents often include shipping invoices, shipping notes, air waybills (AWB), etc. The owner of the means of transport issues these documents to customers to verify and authenticate related information. about the goods.

The most commonly used types of transport documents today are ocean bills of lading, railway bills of lading, and air bills of lading. But in today's article, we will find out.

2. Type of air transport documents: airway bill

The air waybill is a receipt confirming delivery to the carrier and is also important evidence for the performance of the transportation contract. You can simply understand that the air waybill is a document proving that the shipper has transferred the goods to the shipping unit. In type of air transport documents, the Airway Bill (AWB) plays the most important role in documents related to the process of transporting goods by air.

The carrier will issue an air waybill to the shipper after the delivery process and export customs procedures are completed. The Airway Bill set usually includes 3 copies, including 1 original and 2 copies, often included with the goods so that the parties can quickly refer to them and help the consignee carry out procedures. Receive goods conveniently.

Air waybills are divided into two main types:

• Consolidator's bill of lading (House AWB): Is the bill of lading that the consolidator issues to the consignor when the consignor delivers retail goods to them? This is the original bill of lading, usually containing the code and name of the master bill of lading.
• Master Bill of Lading (Master AWB-MAWB): This bill of lading is issued by the airline to the shipper when they make a reservation for the shipment directly through the airline. From there, it helps manage and control the entire shipment, simplifying the transportation process for shippers and airlines.

AWB is not only a type of air transport document certifying the dispatch and receipt of goods but also an important tool for the tracking and management of shipments. It includes information about the consignor, consignee, goods description, quantity, weight, value, shipping conditions, and other terms and conditions related to freight shipping services. airline.

3. Commercial Invoice

In the type of air transport documents, a commercial invoice is a type of document in a sales transaction issued by the seller and sent to the buyer. Prove that the goods or services have been delivered as agreed and that the buyer is obligated to pay according to the terms set forth.

Because a commercial invoice is an important tool that helps ensure transparency and accuracy in business transactions, it needs to contain important information such as:

• Incoterms (Conditions of Trade): Information about Incoterms is important to determine responsibilities and costs between seller and buyer. Three-letter strings such as FOB, CIF, and CFR will clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each party in the shipping process.
• Payment method: Defining payment methods such as T/T (telegraphic transfer), L/C (letter of credit), and D/P (documents against payment) helps ensure clarity on payment conditions between the buyer and the seller.
• Method of transporting goods: With air, providing specific information such as the AWB number, flight number, departure airport, etc. helps to more clearly determine the transportation process of the shipment.

Note: 

The amount displayed on the commercial invoice does not completely accurately reflect the value of the goods at the factory. It also depends on Incoterms conditions, each of which represents different responsibilities between buyer and seller during the transportation of goods. This may result in an increase in the commercial invoice value compared to the factory price.

For example, CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) prices are often higher than FOB (free on board) prices. This is because the CIF price includes sea freight, shipping, and insurance fees. In this situation, the seller is responsible for transporting the goods from the factory to the receiving location. Therefore, including these costs, the value of the commercial invoice will increase.

4. Packing List

The packing slip acts as a detailed list of goods during transportation. The information on the packing slip is different from the commercial invoice in that it provides information about how the goods are packaged, weight, size, quantity, etc., helping to create a detailed and accurate view. exact quantity of goods.

Note that the packing slip must include the following important information:

• Number and date of creation: To ensure authenticity, the packing slip needs information about the number and date of creation.
• Information about the seller and buyer: Details about the seller and buyer are important to identify the parties involved in the transaction.
• Product information: The product name and product code (if any) help accurately identify the product. Units, quantity, and weight of goods are basic information that helps partners identify and control goods.

>>>> CONTINUE: What is advantages and disadvantages of air transport?

5. Arrival Notice

The arrival notice is an important type of air transport document that the agent or air transport unit sends to the recipient of the shipment to notify them of the expected date of the shipment's arrival at the destination. It will be sent 1-2 days before arrival. Typically, the arrival notice provides detailed contact information, an accurate description of the goods received, the number of units, and the cost to be paid upon receipt.

Note: The goods arrival notification is usually only issued when the goods are imported and are on their way to the destination. For exported goods, this document will not be required because this notification is mainly related to informing the consignee of the time and details when the goods arrive at the destination port.

6. Delivery Order

A delivery order is an important legal document provided by the shipping company or agent to the customer. This is a type of air transport document confirming that the goods have been delivered to the carrier and that the customer has the right to receive the goods when they have fully paid the costs related to the transport service.

7. Characteristics of air transport

Although it appeared after other forms of transport, up to now, air transport has become an indispensable component in the import-export sector.

Advantages of air transport:

• Simple route network: Air transport routes are often straight routes that effectively connect two transport points to help optimize transport time and costs.
• Extremely high transport speed: Air transport is characterized by extremely fast transport speed. This helps significantly reduce transportation time compared to other means, such as rail or road.
• Good safety and security: Compared to other means of transport, air transport is highly rated in terms of safety and security, with strict standards and procedures.
• High technology requirements: Air transport continuously requires the use of high technology, helping to track and manage goods accurately and effectively.
• Convenient documentation procedures:Type of air transport documentation procedures are often simplified, and the document processing process is very fast.
• Standardized services: Services in air transport have set rules for cargo handling, packaging, security, and delivery. This helps ensure that goods are transported in the most efficient and safe way.

However, besides its outstanding advantages, air transport still has limitations, such as:

• High cost: Air freight costs are often very high; this is one of the notable limitations.
• Not suitable for large and bulky goods: The aircraft's cargo space is sometimes not suitable for transporting large or bulky goods.
• Requires investment in facilities and human resources: Air transport requires significant investment in facilities and training of service personnel. Regarding facilities, businesses must invest in aircraft, airports, and complex security management systems. Besides, employees also need to be trained to handle complex technical problems. Therefore, it creates huge cost pressure on businesses.

8. Technical facilities applied in air transport

The technical facilities of air transport are an important factor in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of this industry. It includes three main elements, including aircraft, airports with complex infrastructure, cargo handling, and handling equipment.

8.1. Airport

In addition to acting as a parking and landing location for aircraft, airports are also important centers of the transportation economy. This is the place that provides technical material and service conditions related to goods and passenger transportation activities.

8.2. Plane

Airplanes are the main means of transport in the air transport industry; they come in many different types. Airplanes not only transport passengers but are also capable of transporting cargo below deck. In addition, there are aircraft specifically designed to transport goods but still capable of carrying passengers. This creates flexibility during transportation.

8.3. Loading, unloading, and cargo handling equipment

Equipment used in the process of loading, unloading, and packing goods at the airport is diversified to meet the needs of transporting goods. In addition to the usual cargo handling and transportation equipment in the airport, there is also specially designed equipment to handle each unit of cargo. In addition, equipment such as aircraft pallets, air freight container, and intermodal containers is used to protect and move goods effectively.

8.4. Goods can and cannot be transported by air.

In the air transport industry, there are some types of goods that are allowed to be transported, but there are also types of goods that are restricted or not accepted. Let's find out with Dolphin Sea Air now!

The use of airfreight for transporting goods is often suitable for the following cases:

• Small shipments: Airmail is often suitable for transporting small shipments or small-scale deliveries.
• Goods requiring immediate, safe, and accurate delivery: With fast speed and close tracking capabilities, airmail is suitable for goods that require immediate delivery and guaranteed safety and accuracy. dead during transportation.

• High-Value Goods: Transporting high-value goods by air is the safest and most reliable option; it reduces the risk of loss or damage.
• Goods with long transport distances: When goods need to be transported over long distances and quickly, airfreight becomes an effective choice to significantly reduce transport time.

In addition, goods may also be refused transportation by air if one of the following is violated:

• Goods not in accordance with the agreed type: If the goods do not comply with the original regulations and agreements between the sender and the carrier, it may lead to refusal of transportation.
• The sender does not comply with the instructions on packaging, symbols, and codes: If the packaging does not meet the necessary safety standards, such as not being sturdy enough to protect the goods from impact from the outside environment, or if the symbols and codes are unclear, making the process of identifying, tracking, and handling goods difficult will result in them not being accepted for transport.

Above is all the information about type of air transport documents and the latest regulations on transporting goods by plane that we have learned. Through this article, Dolphin Sea Air also hopes to help you gain more knowledge in the field of air transport.

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