（A question on the disparity of Net Quantity of the DGD and the Gross Weight on the AWB.）
Q.
The cargo tendered is indicated as Net Quantity 18.0 L on the Shipper’s Declaration whilst the AWB shows a Gross Weight of only 15.0 kg. Upon inquiry, we were told that the density of the liquid is low at 0.68. There are quite frequent shipments alike which show a larger figure of Net Quantity on the DGD but show a smaller Gross Weight on the AWB. How should we treat these shipments? (30 Apr 16)
A.
Since the DGD is a document to identify the dangerous goods being shipped, it must show the net quantity (kg or litre) of the dangerous goods, while the AWB is a document to evidence contract of carriage, it must show the gross weight or the volume weight. It is only natural that for liquid shipments there will be a DGD in litres and a corresponding AWB in kilograms.
When the gross weight on the AWB is smaller that the liquid volume of the DGD, it only means that the density is low. It is of course natural to check for authenticity of the AWB which can be done by simply weighing the package but there is no need to indicate the relative density on the document.
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