Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What does an air waybill serve as for air shipments?

1. Contract of sale

2. Receipt for goods and evidence of contract of carriage

3. Invoice for shipping costs

4. Regulatory compliance document

The correct answer is: Receipt for goods and evidence of contract of carriage

An air waybill acts as a receipt for goods and serves as evidence of the contract of carriage in air shipments. This document provides critical information about the items being transported, including details like the sender, receiver, and flight information. As a receipt, it confirms that the carrier has received the shipment in good condition and takes responsibility for its transportation. Furthermore, it serves as evidence of the contract of carriage, outlining the agreement between the shipper and the carrier regarding the terms of transport, such as liabilities, responsibilities, and procedures that must be followed during shipment. The significance of this dual function is pivotal in logistics and supply chain management, enabling stakeholders to track shipments, resolve disputes, and ensure accountability throughout the delivery process. This makes the air waybill an essential document in air freight operations, ensuring both parties have a clear understanding of the shipment's terms. The other options do not capture the full role or legal standing of an air waybill within the shipping process, as it does not function as a contract of sale, invoice for shipping costs, or merely a regulatory compliance document. These aspects are handled through different documentation or agreements specific to those purposes within logistics.