Check Digit

A check digit is a single-digit numerical verification code that forms the 11th and final digit of an Air Waybill (AWB) number. The check digit is derived by dividing the seven-digit serial number by 7 and taking the remainder as the check digit. This is also referred to as Modulo 7 checking. The check digit can only be 0-6 and will repeat every seventh number.

For Emirates SkyCargo AWB number 176-12345675, the check digit is 5. The calculation involves taking the 7-digit serial number (1234567), dividing by 7 (1234567 ÷ 7 = 176,366 remainder 5), making the check digit 5. For Lufthansa Cargo AWB number 020-81140743, the serial number 8114074 divided by 7 equals 1,159,153 with remainder 3, so the check digit is 3.

• AWB check digit
• mod-7 check digit
• verification digit

How do you calculate the check digit for an AWB number?

Take the 7-digit serial number portion of the AWB, divide it by 7, and the remainder becomes the check digit. For example, serial number 1234567 ÷ 7 = 176,366 remainder 5, so the check digit is 5. The check digit can only be a number from 0 to 6.

What happens if my AWB check digit calculation doesn't match the printed number?

If the calculated check digit doesn't match the printed digit on the AWB, the AWB number is invalid and contains an error. The shipment will be rejected by airline systems and customs authorities until a corrected AWB with the proper check digit is issued.