FWB (Freight Waybill Message)

The FWB (Freight Waybill Message) is the electronic equivalent to the master air waybill, containing the same information as the master AWB and transmitted using the IATA Cargo-IMP data interchange standard. Freight forwarders send FWB messages to carriers according to information provided by shippers, creating the shipment record for cargo operations. Current IATA requirements specify FWB version 16 or higher (or Cargo-XML equivalent). The FWB enables paperless air cargo operations and serves as the digital foundation for electronic AWB (e-AWB) processes.

A freight forwarder ships 15 pieces of machinery from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Frankfurt (FRA) on Lufthansa Cargo flight LH8440, transmitting FWB message for AWB 020-12345675 where 020 is Lufthansa Cargo's AWB prefix. Emirates SkyCargo receives an FWB for AWB 176-98765432 covering 8 pallets of electronics from Dubai (DXB) to Los Angeles (LAX), with the carrier responding with an FMA acknowledgment message confirming receipt and acceptance of the electronic waybill data.

• FWB
• air waybill message
• electronic waybill message
• FWB version 16

What version of FWB message should freight forwarders use for e-AWB operations?

IATA requires FWB version 16 or higher (or Cargo-XML equivalent) for e-AWB operations. EDI messages must be archived for the required duration of 5 years.

What happens after a freight forwarder sends an FWB message to the carrier?

The carrier responds with an FMA (acknowledgment) message to confirm the FWB was processed correctly and accepted. If there are errors, the carrier sends an FNA (error) message instead, requiring the forwarder to resend the corrected FWB. Freight forwarders must wait for carrier acknowledgment before tendering the physical shipment.