Important shipping documents perform different functions. A customer may receive a quotation, a booking reference, an air waybill, a warehouse receipt and a delivery record at different stages. They should not be treated as interchangeable.
Air waybill: the contract of carriage
The air waybill (AWB), including its electronic form, is a key document for carriage by air. It identifies shipment-related parties and terms. IATA explains that the air waybill forms the contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline.
Carrier receipt: evidence of a specific acceptance
The fact that a number appears in a web tracker does not prove cargo was presented to a carrier. Carrier-issued cargo or warehouse receipts, together with their dates, location and item-count information, are stronger evidence that a named provider accepted goods. IATA’s preparation and handover guidance describes checks at pickup and acceptance.
Custody records answer four questions
- Who held the cargo immediately before transfer?
- Which authorized organization accepted it?
- What date, location, seal or identification details were documented?
- Were any package, weight or condition discrepancies noted?
For high-value goods, the underlying records are often sensitive. Only parties with a legitimate operational need should receive detailed seal references and handling instructions.
Tracking milestones have different meanings
Pending review indicates documentation or acceptance remains outstanding. Booked refers to a reservation or accepted arrangement, depending on the carrier’s system. Received should correspond to physical acceptance. In transit refers to recorded movements. Delivered should be supported by an appropriate handover receipt. A website can show any label, so the evidence behind it matters.
Release to the recipient
Before delivery, confirm the authorized consignee and any identification, customs release or special-handling requirements. Preserve a genuine proof of delivery rather than relying solely on a changed status label.
For broader background, see IATA’s cargo security resources and our tracking status guide.
Information reviewed October 2026. This is general educational content and not a binding quotation, carrier confirmation, customs ruling, insurance certificate, or legal/tax advice. Requirements depend on commodity classification, route, parties and applicable law.
Useful next steps: Review the gold and diamond service overview, browse the shipment FAQs, or send a non-confidential shipping enquiry.