Transfer Manifest (TRM)

A Transfer Manifest (TRM) is the document executed by the transferring carrier upon transfer of interline cargo and endorsed by the receiving carrier as a receipt for the consignment transferred. It serves as the formal documentation when shipments move between different airlines during interline operations. The TRM ensures accurate tracking and custody transfer while establishing legal receipt between carriers at connecting cargo terminals.

When a shipment on United Cargo (AWB prefix 016-12345678) arrives at Frankfurt (FRA) but must continue on Lufthansa Cargo (AWB prefix 020), United creates a Transfer Manifest listing the specific AWB numbers, weights, and pieces being handed over. Emirates SkyCargo transfers 25 pieces totaling 1,847 kg under AWB 176-98765432 to Qatar Airways Cargo at Doha (DOH), with both carriers signing the TRM to confirm the physical transfer occurred.

• TRM
• interline transfer manifest

What information must be included on a Transfer Manifest (TRM)?

The TRM must contain AWB numbers, piece counts, weights, descriptions of the cargo being transferred, flight details from the delivering carrier, and signatures from both the transferring and receiving carriers. IATA Cargo-IMP designates procedures for automating the exchange of space allocation, air waybill, flight manifest, accounting, status, discrepancy, embargo, customs, CASS billing, dangerous goods, allotments and surface transportation, including TRM data exchange.

How long do carriers have to process Transfer Manifest documentation?

Under US Customs regulations, transit air cargo must be exported from the port of arrival within 15 days from the date the exporting airline receives the cargo. The TRM must be completed immediately upon physical transfer of the cargo between carriers to maintain proper custody chain and customs compliance.