What Is an AWB Number? Meaning, Where to Find It and How to Track a Parcel
AWB stands for Air Waybill or, in common courier language, Airway Bill. It is the unique tracking number given to a parcel when it is booked with a courier. The name comes from air cargo, but Indian couriers use "AWB" for every shipment, whether it travels by air, road or train.
Where to find the AWB number
- Printed on the shipping label, usually with a barcode.
- In the booking confirmation SMS, email or app.
- On the courier receipt or POD copy.
- In your seller dashboard if you use a shipping aggregator.
How to track a parcel with an AWB
- Open the tracking page or app of the courier named on the label.
- Enter the AWB number exactly as printed.
- Read the status: booked, picked up, in transit, out for delivery, delivered or RTO.
What if tracking shows nothing?
- Wait a few hours. Tracking starts after the first scan, usually at pickup.
- Check that you selected the right courier.
- Check the AWB for a typing error (O vs 0, I vs 1).
- Contact the courier's customer care, giving the AWB and booking date.
Common shipment statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Picked up | The courier has collected the parcel |
| In transit | Moving between hubs |
| Out for delivery | With the delivery person today |
| Undelivered / NDR | Delivery failed (customer unavailable, wrong address) |
| RTO | Return to origin, the parcel is coming back to you |
| Delivered | Handed over to the receiver |
For sellers: print the AWB as a barcode
A scannable barcode on the label speeds up sorting at hubs. Make a label with a Code 128 barcode of your AWB using the free shipping label generator. See how to print a shipping label.
Also read COD tips for sellers to reduce returns.