Key Terms

Here are some key terms that relate to safely transporting lithium batteries.

Consignment means one or more packages of hazardous materials accepted by an operator from a single shipper at one time and at one address. The hazardous materials are received in one lot and moved to one consignee at a single destination address.

DOT is an acronym for the United States Department of Transportation, which is the federal department that coordinates and institutes national transportation programs.

Equipment refers to the device or apparatus for which the lithium cells or batteries will provide electrical power for operation.

FAA is an acronym for the Federal Aviation Administration, a branch of the U.S. DOT that has the power to regulate all aspects of civil aviation.

IATA is an acronym for the International Air Transport Association, a trade association for airlines across the world.

ICAO is an acronym for the International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations that manages the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Lithium battery is a primary battery that uses lithium as an anode.

Lithium cell is a cell in which the anode is lithium.

PHMSA is an acronym for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, a U.S. DOT agency aimed at protecting people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energetically charged and hazardous materials that are essential for daily living.

To learn more about Lithium Batteries HAZMAT visit our DOT Lithium Batteries HAZMAT Online Training web page.