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Breeze joins organisations sharing concerns about IATA Direct Air Waybill changes

Freight forwarders should take the opportunity to review their contractual arrangements and insurance protection following the introduction of IATA's revised Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework, according to digital cargo insurance provider Breeze. The company believe 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. Breeze is not alone in expressing concerns over the changes to the DAWB framework. The US Airforwarders Association (AfA) advised freight forwarders to confirm contractual arrangements with every airline and review insurance cover, while global freight forwarder association FIATA had called for a delay to the DAWB framework amendments "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.

Monsoon storms bring added disruption to India's west coast ports

Monsoon storms along India's west coast have exacerbated supply chain disruption for containerised freight moving through Nhava Sheva Port (JNPA), according to industry sources. Container terminals in the harbour have been forced to suspend operations intermittently, or work at reduced capacity, this week as bad weather battered the region, triggering widespread berth schedule disruptions and vessel backlogs. The worst-hit facility was PSA's Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals (BMCT), which suspended operations for nearly two days. This is JNPA's largest container terminal by capacity, following the recent commissioning of its Phase 2 expansion. The dockside accident involving ONE's Dalian box ship at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT), operated by CMA Terminals and JM Baxi, further strained port operations amid the weather-related disruptions. Crane operations at terminals operated by DP World and APM Terminals were also curtailed at times due to gale-force winds, while torrential rain flooded freight storage areas in and around the port, damaging goods, industry stakeholders said. "The weather has affected cargo movement, transportation and clearance activities," the Brihanmumbai Customs Brokers Association (BCBA) said in a trade advisory. "Customs brokers may face challenges in the timely clearance of documentation and delivery of import and export consignments," the association added. Container freight station operators serving JNPA have likewise cautioned customers that delays in container movement were unavoidable under the prevailing conditions. "Continuous heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, over the past week has resulted in flooding, waterlogging and severe traffic congestion across several stretches connecting the port terminals and container freight stations," the Container Freight Stations Association of India told customers. "The turnaround time of trailer trucks has increased substantially, adversely affecting the evacuation and delivery of both import and export containers between the port terminals and CFSs." The disruption added to the operational pressures already facing JNPA, where yard congestion had intensified following an influx of transhipment cargo diverted from the Middle East, exacerbated by a severe shortage of truck drivers, limiting landside evacuation capacity and contributing to mounting yard inventories. However, that transhipment flow into JNPA is tapering off as Middle East services steadily return. The port's transhipment handling in June was down to some 93,500 teu, from 97,500 teu in May, and 134,000 teu in April, according to data. As a result, JNPA has seen significant throughput traction in the current fiscal year (2026-27) that began in April. According to the latest data, the port handled 2.25m teu in Q1, up 15% year on year. Beyond the hurdles in seamlessly moving goods in and out of port and depot facilities, Indian exporters are facing a sharp spike in container freight rates across trades, due to a surge in bookings tied to front-loading demand and capacity disruptions. Rates ex-India to the US east coast and North Europe have more than doubled over the past month, according to sources.

East Midlands Airport volumes up as more cargo flights expected

Air cargo volumes at East Midlands Airport in the UK have climbed 14% year on year and the cargo hub expects to add more cargo flights to its operations in the coming months. East Midlands Airport handled 37,458 tonnes of goods last month - around 4,500 tonnes more than last June. "Further announcements about more cargo aircraft flying into East Midlands are expected later this month, as the operation continues to grow," stated the airport. Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport managing director, said: "Our cargo operation is doing brilliantly, with increasing numbers of carriers choosing East Midlands as their entry point to the UK as our reputation spreads as the country's number one airport for freight." In May last year, the airport launched cargo growth plans designed to meet an estimated 54% increase in demand for its cargo operations over the next two decades. Four plots close to the runway, totalling 50 hectares, were earmarked for cargo development. Then in July, the airport also reconfigured its cargo aprons so that out of 27 cargo stands, 12 can now take wide-bodied aircraft, up from seven previously. Last year, larger aircraft flying to the airport helped increase volumes, despite a decrease in freighter movements.