What is OPWS?

OPWS (Polish General Forwarding Rules) is an industry-standard established by the Polish Chamber of Forwarding and Logistics, which defines, apart from the Civil Code in force in our country, the basic conditions and requirements between forwarders operating in our country and associated in an industry organization. Most often OPWS is applied in case of agreement between both parties and a model contract is sent before the actual contract is signed. This mechanism is not a legal regulation, but a good practice within the framework of improving the quality of services and cooperation in forwarding.  

Polish Chamber of Forwarding and Logistics

The originator of the best practices in forwarding and OPWS is the industry organization Polish Chamber of Forwarding and Logistics based in Gdynia, which associates smaller and bigger forwarding companies operating in our country. The Chamber is currently engaged in protecting the rights of freight forwarders and lobbying for better legislation related to the logistics business. PISiL is also involved in data collection, creating databases, and providing training to its members through conferences and symposia.. 

Polish General Forwarding Conditions

OPWS practice is a set of rules and points that are supposed to reduce the forwarder's liability in case of wrong cargo declaration or unclear points in the contract. The template also provides for exclusion of liability for damages when the damage or loss does not result from the direct activities of the forwarding company. This is a point safeguard to protect each member against unfair practices in the industry, and also has the right to retain cargo in case of strong formal ambiguities. 

OPWS rules operating within the organization

Currently, the OPWS rules have created a model document consisting of 31 paragraphs, which describe and explain point by point the obligations and rights of both parties arising from the cooperation.  The OPWS document also contains basic definitions and terms related to the Freight Forwarder's duties in logistics activity and relation with the Customer.