Transferring Carrier

A transferring carrier is the participating carrier transferring the consignment to another carrier at a transit point in an interline arrangement. The transferring carrier physically hands off cargo to the receiving carrier, typically at an intermediate airport or hub, while maintaining responsibility for proper documentation and transfer procedures. 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 creates an official record of the handoff between carriers.

Emirates SkyCargo (176) transports a shipment from Dubai (DXB) to Frankfurt (FRA), where it serves as the transferring carrier to Lufthansa Cargo (020) for final delivery to Warsaw (WAW). A United Cargo flight (016) carries pharmaceutical cargo from Chicago (ORD) to Amsterdam (AMS), where United becomes the transferring carrier to KLM Cargo (074) for distribution to European destinations.

• transfer carrier
• interline partner

What documentation does the transferring carrier need to provide when handing off cargo to another carrier?

The transferring carrier must execute a transfer manifest that documents the cargo being transferred and is endorsed by the receiving carrier as receipt for the consignment. This document, along with the original air waybill and any special handling instructions, creates the official record of the interline transfer at the transit point.

Is the transferring carrier still liable for the shipment after handing it off to the receiving carrier?

The transferring carrier's liability typically transfers to the receiving carrier once the cargo is officially handed over and the transfer manifest is signed. However, each carrier in the interline chain remains responsible for any damage or loss that occurs while the cargo was in their custody, as outlined in IATA interline liability provisions.