Airwaybill

/ˈɛːrweɪbɪl/ noun

Definition

A shipping document used in air cargo transport that serves as proof of receipt and a contract for carriage of goods by air.

Etymology

Compound of 'airway' (air route for aircraft) plus 'bill' (from Old Norse bili, meaning 'a written agreement' via Medieval Latin billa). The term became standardized in international air cargo in the mid-20th century.

Kelly Says

An airwaybill is like a passport for cargo—it's legally required for international air shipments and contains information about weight, contents, and delivery that customs officers and airlines verify at every step of the journey.

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