Shipment Tracking Guide
Air Cargo Tracking Status Codes
Understand common AWB tracking codes including BKD, RCS, MAN, DEP, ARR, RCF, NFD and DLV across airline cargo timelines.
Air cargo systems often use short event codes derived from Cargo-IMP and carrier workflows. Wording differs between airlines, but the code, airport, flight leg, pieces, weight, and timestamp together identify the movement.
These events happen before departure and do not confirm that the aircraft has left.
BKD: shipment booking confirmed.
RCS: cargo received from shipper and accepted for carriage.
MAN: shipment manifested for a flight.
PRE or FBL: preliminary planning or booking-list information.
Flight events should be read as individual legs when an AWB travels through a hub.
DEP: departed on the reported flight leg.
ARR: aircraft or shipment arrived at the reported airport.
RCF: cargo received from the arriving flight.
TFD: cargo transferred to another airline or handling process.
Arrival is not the same as collection or delivery.
NFD: consignee or receiving party notified.
AWD: documents or shipment made available.
DLV: shipment delivered.
CCD: customs clearance or related processing reported, depending on carrier usage.
What this reference explains
Air Cargo Tracking Status Codes is presented as an operational reference for freight teams, importers, exporters, and anyone interpreting shipping documents or tracking events.
How to apply the information
Use the definitions and examples together with the shipment contract, carrier instructions, and destination requirements. Keep the relevant reference attached to the shipment when it affects documents or operational follow-up.
Important verification step
Requirements and commercial practices can differ by country, carrier, commodity, and contract. Verify current legal, customs, airline, shipping-line, and handling requirements before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is ARR the final delivery status?
No. ARR reports an arrival event and can occur at a transit hub. DLV or an equivalent delivery event indicates completion.
Why does one AWB contain several DEP and ARR events?
The cargo may travel across multiple flight legs and hubs under the same air waybill.