How do I track an AWB number starting with 408?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (408-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Poste 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 408?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 408?

AWB prefix 408 belongs to Poste Air Cargo (IATA code M4), based in Italy. All air waybills issued by Poste Air Cargo start with 408-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 408 belongs to Poste Air Cargo.

Q: Is 408 the only AWB prefix for Poste Air Cargo?

Yes, 408 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Poste Air Cargo. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Poste Air Cargo's prefix is 408, so all their air waybills follow the 408-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 408 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Poste Air Cargo (M4), based in Italy. Every air waybill issued by Poste Air Cargo begins with the digits 408, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 408-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 408, you can be certain it was issued by Poste Air Cargo or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Poste Air Cargo operates as a Dedicated Cargo Freighter, with its primary hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). 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 408 is exclusively reserved for Poste Air Cargo and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Poste Air Cargo's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 408 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number408

Airline

Poste Air Cargo

IATA CodeM4

ICAO CodeMSA

CountryItaly

HubRome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

AWB Format408-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeDedicated Cargo Freighter

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 408

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (408) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

408

Airline Prefix
→ Poste Air Cargo

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

408 always identifies Poste Air Cargo as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 408-12345678 is a complete, valid Poste 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 408

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
362	RusLine	Russian Federation	7R	View
384	Kam Air	Afghanistan	RQ	View
402	GlobalX	United States	G6	View
408 You are here	Poste Air Cargo	Italy	M4	Track
411	TAG Airlines	Guatemala	5U	View
413	Somon Air	Tajikistan	SZ	View
415	PopulAir	Sweden	HP	View
416	National Airlines	United States	N8	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 408

What airline has AWB prefix 408? +

AWB prefix 408 belongs to Poste Air Cargo (IATA code M4, ICAO code MSA), based in Italy. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 408-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Poste Air Cargo or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 408? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 408-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 408 as Poste Air Cargo and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 408 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 408 is exclusively assigned to Poste 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: 408-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 408 identifies Poste 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 Poste Air Cargo — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 408. 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 Poste Air Cargo's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 408-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 408 the only AWB prefix for Poste Air Cargo? +

Yes. 408 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Poste Air Cargo. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 408, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 408, it is guaranteed to be a Poste Air Cargo shipment.

What if my 408 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 408 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Poste 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 Poste Air Cargo cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.