Freight forwarders encouraged to review insurance as IATA Direct Air Waybill changes take effect

Breeze is advising freight forwarders to reassess contracts and insurance cover following IATA’s revised Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework, which came into effect on 1 July and may reshape the allocation of liability across airlines, shippers and forwarders. The new framework is expected to introduce uncertainty over risk ownership, with potential shifts in responsibility where forwarders could assume obligations previously held by shippers or carriers, and varying airline-by-airline implementation complicating compliance. Breeze warns insurers may reassess underwriting and pricing as exposure becomes clearer, and recommends forwarders mitigate risk by ensuring shippers hold comprehensive cargo insurance or by arranging shipment-level cover to protect all parties during the transition. Freight forwarders should take the opportunity to review their contractual arrangements and insurance protection following the introduction of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) revised Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework, according to digital cargo insurance provider Breeze . The company believes the revised framework has the potential to alter the allocation of legal responsibilities between airlines, shippers, and freight forwarders, creating uncertainty over where liability sits and whether existing insurance arrangements remain appropriate. “Without a doubt, this represents a significant reallocation of risk,” said Matthew Phillips, Chief Commercial Officer, Breeze. “Liability is generally expected to follow control, and the revised framework raises legitimate questions where a freight forwarder could potentially become responsible for matters traditionally associated with the shipper or carrier. “The uncertainty is increased if implementation differs between airlines, meaning forwarders may need to understand the contractual position on a carrier-by-carrier basis.” Phillips said existing freight forwarder liability policies have traditionally been designed around risks that forwarders control, including their own errors, omissions, and negligence when arranging transport, rather than obligations that sit with shippers. If the revised contractual framework results in forwarders assuming responsibilities previously associated with shippers, insurers may review how those risks are assessed. This could include changes to underwriting, policy terms, or pricing as the market gains a clearer understanding of the practical implications of the new arrangements. Rather than waiting for the insurance market to evolve, Breeze believes forwarders can reduce uncertainty by ensuring cargo itself is appropriately insured. “The most practical step forwarders can take today is to confirm whether the shipper has comprehensive all risks cargo insurance and, where appropriate, offer cover on a shipment-by-shipment basis,” said Phillips. “That provides immediate protection for the cargo owner while helping reduce uninsured exposure across the supply chain as the industry adapts to the revised framework.” The revised IATA Direct Air Waybill framework came into effect on 1 July and is intended to rebalance contractual responsibilities between airlines and freight forwarders. The changes have prompted discussion across the air cargo industry regarding the legal, operational, and insurance implications of the revised framework, particularly where implementation may differ between airlines. As the market adapts, forwarders are expected to work closely with carriers, insurers, and customers to understand how the revised arrangements apply in practice.