Global Air Cargo Tracking Key Strategies for Shipment Monitoring

Published: 02/02/2026
Air Freight Tracking Tracking Number Inquiry Logistics Inquiry
Master international air freight tracking number inquiry techniques and say goodbye to cargo tracking difficulties! This article details air waybill number types and provides three major inquiry channels: airline official website, freight forwarder official website, and third-party platforms. It also shares practical inquiry tips to help you accurately grasp the cargo transportation status, allowing you to plan strategically and succeed.
Global Air Cargo Tracking Key Strategies for Shipment Monitoring

Have you ever anxiously awaited an important international shipment while struggling to track its exact location? Faced with complex air waybill numbers, do you find yourself confused about where to begin? Understanding the correct tracking methods will give you complete visibility of your cargo's journey.

Understanding Air Waybill Numbers: Your Key to Shipment Tracking

International air waybill numbers serve as critical credentials for tracking your shipment's journey. These numbers function like passports, recording every important checkpoint as your goods travel across the globe. To fully utilize them, you must first understand their composition and the information they contain.

Decoding Air Waybill Numbers: Two Types, Two Tracking Paths

International air waybill numbers primarily fall into two categories, each issued by different entities and requiring different tracking approaches:

Master Air Waybill (MAWB): The Airline's Identification

Issued directly by the transporting airline, this serves as the official documentation for cargo transportation. The format typically consists of:

  • 2-letter airline code
  • 8-10 digit number

Examples include:

  • China Airlines (CI) + 10-digit number
  • Lufthansa (LH) + 10-digit number
  • Emirates (EK) + 10-digit number

With a MAWB, you can access the most authoritative and up-to-date shipment status directly through the airline's official website.

House Air Waybill (HAWB): The Freight Forwarder's Tracking Number

Issued by freight forwarding companies (such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, or other logistics providers), these numbers are used internally for shipment management. The format varies by company and may include combinations of letters and numbers.

Examples include:

  • DHL air waybill: Typically 10 digits
  • FedEx air waybill: May include "FX" prefix followed by numbers

If your tracking number comes from a freight forwarder, you'll need to use their official tracking channels.

Identifying the Carrier: The First Step to Successful Tracking

Before beginning your tracking process, accurately identifying the carrier is essential as it determines which tracking channel to use.

Airline Code Identification Method

If your number begins with a recognizable airline code (such as CI, LH, EK, etc.), you can directly access the corresponding airline's tracking system.

Freight Forwarder Number Identification

If your number lacks an obvious airline code or was provided directly by a logistics company, it's likely a HAWB requiring tracking through the forwarder's system.

Three Effective Tracking Channels

Once you've identified your air waybill type and carrier, select the appropriate tracking method from these options:

1. Airline Website Tracking: Authoritative and Real-Time

For MAWB numbers, the airline's official website provides the most reliable tracking information.

Tracking Steps:

  1. Visit the airline's official website
  2. Locate the "Cargo Tracking," "Freight Services," or similar section
  3. Enter your MAWB number
  4. Click "Track" to view current shipment status

2. Freight Forwarder Website Tracking: Specialized and Convenient

For HAWB numbers, use the forwarder's official website or provided tracking link for detailed shipment information.

Tracking Steps:

  1. Visit the forwarder's official website
  2. Find the "Track Shipment" or similar section
  3. Enter your HAWB number
  4. Click "Track" to view status updates

3. Third-Party Tracking Platforms: Comprehensive and Efficient

For unknown carriers or multiple shipments, third-party platforms that aggregate tracking information from various carriers can be invaluable.

Recommended Platforms:

  • 17Track: Supports tracking from over 500 airlines and logistics providers
  • AfterShip: Covers major air, ocean, and express shipments
  • TrackingMore: Specializes in logistics tracking with batch query capabilities

Tracking Tips for Optimal Results

To ensure successful tracking, keep these recommendations in mind:

  • Verify number accuracy: Carefully check all characters in your tracking number
  • Allow for system updates: New shipments may take 1-24 hours to appear in tracking systems
  • Understand number types: HAWB numbers typically won't work on airline tracking systems
  • Contact professionals: If tracking fails, contact your shipper or forwarder for assistance

Quick Tracking Guide

  1. Identify your number type (MAWB or HAWB)
  2. Select the appropriate tracking channel
  3. Use third-party platforms if uncertain about the carrier
  4. Contact the shipper if tracking remains unsuccessful

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