Reading an AWB number
An air waybill number has 11 digits. The first 3 are the airline's IATA prefix (for example 235 for Turkish Airlines). Of the remaining 8, the first 7 are the serial number and the last is the check digit.
How the check digit works
Divide the first 7 serial digits by 7; the remainder is the check digit. For 1234567 ÷ 7 the remainder is 5, so the number is written 235-12345675. If the check digit does not match, the number probably has a typo.
Tracking the shipment
Once you know the airline, search its cargo website with the AWB number. On consolidated shipments the forwarder's house air waybill (HAWB) has a different number; use the master air waybill (MAWB) number to track with the airline.