Operations

Piece Count

Definition

Piece count is the total number of individual packages, cartons, pallets, or other shipping units that comprise an air cargo consignment. It appears on the Air Waybill (AWB) as critical shipment information that carriers use for loading, handling, and space allocation. The piece count helps carriers plan loading, unloading, and space allocation, and is distinct from the internal contents within each piece. For shipments with multiple items inside packages, any internal piece counts (also known as Shipper Load and Count or SLAC) must be separately expressed on shipping documents.

Examples

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment from Frankfurt to Miami carries AWB number 020-12345678, where the piece count shows 3 pieces (two pallets plus one loose carton), while the Nature and Quantity of Goods section indicates 'SLAC - 150 pieces' to reflect the actual items within those packages. An Emirates SkyCargo consolidation from Dubai to New York shows AWB number 176-98765432 with a piece count of 1 (one container), but the consolidation manifest lists 47 individual house shipments contained within that single piece.

Also known as

  • pieces
  • number of pieces
  • PCS

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between piece count and internal piece count (SLAC) on an AWB?
Piece count refers to the number of physical packages tendered to the carrier (boxes, pallets, containers), while SLAC (Shipper Load and Count) represents the actual items inside those packages. For example, if you ship 2 skids each containing 25 boxes, the piece count is 2, but the SLAC is 50 pieces. U.S. Customs requires both numbers to be clearly stated on the AWB.
How does piece count affect air cargo pricing and handling?
Airlines use piece count for operational planning including loading sequences, ground handling equipment requirements, and cargo terminal space allocation. While freight charges are typically calculated on chargeable weight (actual vs. dimensional), piece count determines handling fees, as carriers may charge per-piece handling costs for shipments with high piece counts relative to weight.