What is the role of the air waybill in lithium battery shipments?

• A. It serves as the receipt for the carrier
• B. It lists only the consignee's contact information
• C. It is a contract of carriage and must reflect dangerous goods details
• D. It is optional for hazmat

Answer: (C)

The air waybill serves as the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier, and for lithium battery shipments it must reflect the dangerous goods details required by the regulations. This document records who is shipping, who is receiving, where and when the shipment moves, and how many batteries are being sent. Crucially for hazmat, it includes the proper shipping name, UN number, hazard class, packing instructions, and other dangerous goods information so the carrier knows exactly what is being transported and how to handle it safely. This contractual role binds both parties to the terms of transport and provides the regulatory basis for the shipment, while also acting as a receipt. It’s not simply a receipt or a list of consignee contacts, and hazmat shipments cannot be made without the appropriate DG details on the AWB.