These terms govern every shipment we accept. Handing us freight means accepting them, whether or not you signed a separate agreement.
This is a template. Have a lawyer in your country review and adapt it before you publish. Carrier liability, limitation periods and lien rights are set by national law and by any convention that applies to the route.
1. The contract
The contract is between us and the shipper named on the booking. The shipping receipt is not a document of title and is not negotiable. Where a partner carrier operates part of the journey, we remain your point of contact.
2. What we may refuse
We may refuse or stop any shipment that is on our prohibited list, is inadequately packed, is wrongly described, or whose carriage would breach the law. Freight charges on a refused shipment remain payable.
3. Inspection
We may open and inspect any shipment, and must allow customs and security authorities to do the same. We are not liable for delay caused by an inspection we did not choose.
4. Charges
Charges are calculated on the greater of actual and dimensional weight. Duties, taxes and official charges are payable in addition. Where we advance them on your behalf, you reimburse us plus the clearance fee. Overdue invoices carry interest at the rate stated on the invoice.
5. Lien
We may hold goods against unpaid charges relating to those goods or to any other shipment you owe us for, and may sell them after notice to recover the debt.
6. Our liability
Our liability is limited to the declared value of the shipment, or the limit fixed by any convention or statute that applies to the route, whichever is lower. We are not liable for consequential loss, including lost profit, lost contracts, market loss or downtime.
7. Time limits
Claims must be notified within 14 calendar days of delivery, or of the expected delivery date where the shipment did not arrive, and legal proceedings must be commenced within one year of that date. These limits are conditions of the contract.
8. Your warranties
You warrant that the description and value on the booking are accurate, that the goods are packed to withstand carriage, that they are not prohibited, and that you are entitled to ship them. For vehicles, you warrant that you hold clear title and that no finance is outstanding. You indemnify us against loss arising from a breach of these warranties.
9. Events outside our control
We are not liable for delay or loss caused by weather, road or port closure, labor action, civil disruption, act of government, or any other event beyond our reasonable control.
10. Governing law
These terms are governed by the law of the country in which we are registered, and the courts of that country have exclusive jurisdiction.