If you are new to freight forwarding, you will encounter many new terms and processes in your daily work. One of the most important skills you need is knowing how to track your air freight shipments effectively. This not only helps you provide updates to your clients but also ensures you can manage delays and customs processes proactively.
Today, I will teach you the basics of tracking your air freight shipments with clear, easy steps you can follow.
What is a HAWB Number?
The first thing you need to understand is the HAWB number, which stands for House Air Waybill. This is a unique tracking number given by your freight forwarder or consolidator for your specific shipment. It usually looks something like this:
123-4567 8901
This number is essential for tracking your cargo during its journey from the origin airport to the destination.
Understanding the HAWB Format
The first three digits of your HAWB number identify the airline carrier your cargo is flying with. For example:
- 014 = Emirates
- 016 = United Airlines
- 125 = Qatar Airways
Knowing the airline prefix helps you locate the right tracking website.
The last eight digits (in the example above, “45678901”) are your shipment’s unique identifier. You might see a space after the first four digits (e.g., “4567 8901”), but when tracking online, remove the space and enter all eight digits together.
How to Track Your Air Freight Online
Tracking your air freight is simple if you follow these steps:
- Identify the airline prefix (first three digits).
- Go to the airline’s cargo tracking website. For example:
- Emirates SkyCargo: https://skychain.emirates.com
- Qatar Airways Cargo: https://www.qrcargo.com
- Turkish Cargo: https://www.turkishcargo.com.tr
- Enter your full AWB number without spaces (e.g., “12345678901”).
- Click “Track” or “Submit.” You will see your shipment’s current status, including departure, arrival, and transit information.
Tips for Efficient Air Freight Tracking
- ✅ Save airline tracking links in your bookmarks for quick access.
- ✅ Double-check your AWB number to avoid incorrect tracking results.
- ✅ If you have multiple shipments, use an Excel sheet to record HAWB numbers, airlines, origins, ETD (Estimated Time of Departure), and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) for organized monitoring.
What If Tracking Doesn’t Work?
Sometimes, the shipment status may not update immediately on the tracking website. This could happen due to:
- The shipment not yet being handed over to the airline
- System updates taking a few hours
- Incorrect entry of the AWB number
If your tracking does not update after 24 hours, contact your airline’s local cargo office or your freight forwarder for clarification.
Why Air Freight Tracking Matters
Learning how to track air freight shipments is crucial in freight forwarding. It helps you:
- ✅ Provide timely updates to your clients
- ✅ Plan customs clearance and delivery schedules efficiently
- ✅ Build trust with your customers by showing proactive shipment management
By mastering air freight tracking, you will enhance your freight forwarding workflow, reduce uncertainties, and serve your clients with confidence.
If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it for quick reference and sharing it with other beginners in freight forwarding.
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