How do I track an AWB number starting with 403?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (403-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Polar Air Cargo's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 403?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 403?

AWB prefix 403 belongs to Polar Air Cargo (IATA code PO), based in United States. All air waybills issued by Polar Air Cargo start with 403-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 403 belongs to Polar Air Cargo.

Q: Is 403 the only AWB prefix for Polar Air Cargo?

Yes, 403 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Polar Air Cargo. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Polar Air Cargo's prefix is 403, so all their air waybills follow the 403-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 403 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Polar Air Cargo (PO), based in United States. Every air waybill issued by Polar Air Cargo begins with the digits 403, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 403-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 403, you can be certain it was issued by Polar Air Cargo or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Polar Air Cargo operates as a Dedicated Cargo Freighter, with its primary hub at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 403 is exclusively reserved for Polar Air Cargo and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Polar Air Cargo's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 403 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number403

Airline

Polar Air Cargo

IATA CodePO

ICAO CodePAC

CountryUnited States

HubHartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL)

AWB Format403-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeDedicated Cargo Freighter

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 403

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (403) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

403

Airline Prefix
→ Polar Air Cargo

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

403 always identifies Polar Air Cargo as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 403-12345678 is a complete, valid Polar Air Cargo airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 400–499

AWB Prefixes Near 403

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
396	French Bee	France	BF	View
400	Air Montenegro	Montenegro	4O	View
401	TAROM	Global	RO	View
403 You are here	Polar Air Cargo	United States	PO	Track
404	Blue Bird Airways	Greece	BZ	View
406	UPS Airlines	United States	5X	View
409	Montenegro Airlines	Global	YM	View
419	Aeroitalia	Italy	XZ	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 403

What airline has AWB prefix 403? +

AWB prefix 403 belongs to Polar Air Cargo (IATA code PO, ICAO code PAC), based in United States. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 403-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Polar Air Cargo or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 403? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 403-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 403 as Polar Air Cargo and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 403 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 403 is exclusively assigned to Polar Air Cargo. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 403-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 403 identifies Polar Air Cargo. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Polar Air Cargo — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 403. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on Polar Air Cargo's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 403-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 403 the only AWB prefix for Polar Air Cargo? +

Yes. 403 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Polar Air Cargo. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 403, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 403, it is guaranteed to be a Polar Air Cargo shipment.

What if my 403 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 403 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Polar Air Cargo cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact Polar Air Cargo cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.