Explanations of terms commonly used in the Air Freight industry.

Mawb - Master air waybill - Document issued specific to individual airline. Consists of 3 digit number specific to airline of issue plus 8 digit number which will relate to specific shipment. All details relating to full shipment and routing are included on this document together with special handling requirements.

Hawb - House air waybill - Document issued by agent. Used for consolidation of cargo. Reference numbers are normally issued by agent for identification of individual shipments within a consolidation.

ULD - Unit Load Device - Loading of aircraft for cargo is in 3 main compartments: (1) bellyhold; (2) lower deck; (3) upper deck. The bellyhold is normally reserved for passenger baggage but is used for small size/low gross weight carton/boxes. Lower and upper deck are used for cargo loaded in specific loading units which will fit the configuration of the aircraft being used. These units are referred to as Unit Load Devices (ULD). These units vary in size depending on the aircraft type.

AIrport Code - All airports globally are issued with a 3 letter code which will be unique to that airport.

Airline Designator - 2 letter code unique to each airline.

Aircraft Codes - General Designators used for encoding of aircraft types. j = pure jet, h = helicopter, p = propeller, t = prop jet, a = amphibian/seaplan.

AOG - Aircraft on Ground

DGR - Dangerous Goods Regulations

GSA - General Sales Agent