Consolidated Cargo

Consolidated cargo is a shipping method where multiple smaller consignments from different shippers are combined into a single larger shipment for transport by air. Consignments going to the same destination but from various shippers are booked under one master air waybill (MAWB) and each shipper is provided with a house air waybill (HAWB). The primary reason for using consolidated cargo is cost efficiency, as freight forwarders can negotiate lower airline rates and pass on savings to shippers. This approach helps reduce costs, improve space efficiency, and provide access to air freight services for lower volume shipments.

A Lufthansa Cargo consolidated shipment moves under MAWB 020-12345678, where five different shippers from Frankfurt (FRA) to Los Angeles (LAX) each receive individual HAWBs numbered 020-12345678-001 through 020-12345678-005. An Emirates SkyCargo consolidation carries MAWB 176-87654321 from Dubai (DXB) to New York JFK, containing 12 individual shipments from electronics manufacturers, each documented with separate HAWBs for customs clearance at destination.

• consolidation
• groupage
• LCL air
• consolidation cargo

What is the difference between MAWB and HAWB numbers in consolidated cargo shipments?

The Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued directly by the airline to the freight forwarder and represents the overarching contract between the airline and the forwarder covering the entire consolidated shipment. The House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the shipper and applies only to the specific cargo booked by that individual shipper. Air waybills have eleven digit numbers, called AWB numbers, which can be used to make bookings, check the status of delivery, and track current position of the shipment.

How long does consolidated cargo typically take compared to direct air freight?

Door-to-door airfreight for consolidated cargo typically takes between 9 and 14 days. The deconsolidation takes a bit of time and is not suitable for emergency freight, so if your consignment is not very urgent, a consolidation is advisable. The consolidation process typically occurs weekly until Friday, with the cargo shipped to the destination airport on Saturday.