Neutral Airway Bill (NAWB)

A neutral airway bill (NAWB) is a generic airway bill issued by a freight forwarder rather than a carrier. Unlike typical airway bills, which bear the branding of the airline responsible for conveying the cargo, a neutral airway bill is used when freight forwarders consolidate many shipments from various customers and require a generic document to cover all of the shipments. This permits the freight forwarder to operate as the transaction’s major party, providing flexibility and control over the shipping process while adhering to regulatory and industry norms.

NAWBs are widely used in the air cargo industry, particularly when dealing with combined shipments or when freight forwarders wish to avoid being linked to a specific airline. It provides greater flexibility in selecting air carriers while keeping a detailed record of cargo facts. The Neutral Airway Bill serves as a contract of transport and reception for commodities, ensuring that shipments are handled following international rules. CargoWise enables freight forwarders to efficiently handle and trace these airway bills, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer service.