Terms and Conditions for Courier Services

Definitions

  1. In these terms and conditions, the following definitions apply:

  • You, Your: The customer requesting our delivery services, including any employees, agents, or subcontractors acting on your behalf.

  • We, Our, Us: Courier Smart Ltd.

  • Consignment: Any item(s) we transport for you from one location to another, including packaging.

  • Dangerous Goods: Items that could pose a risk to others, including but not limited to explosives, radioactive materials, and items requiring specialised handling.

  • Proof of Delivery: A signature, company stamp, or digital confirmation acknowledging receipt of the consignment.

 

 

General Terms

  1. These terms govern our services. Changes or variations can only be made with written agreement from one of our directors. They supersede any terms you may propose.

  2. We are not a common carrier and reserve the right to:

  • Subcontract delivery services to other firms or individuals.

  • Refuse any consignment or part of a consignment.

  • Decline the transport of dangerous goods.

  1. By requesting a standard or same-day delivery, you accept these terms.

  2. Our liability is limited as detailed below.

  3. If any part of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining terms will remain valid.

  4. Failure by either party to enforce any rights does not constitute a waiver of those rights.

  5. This agreement is governed by English law, and any disputes will be resolved in English courts.

 

 

Customer Responsibilities

  1. You must ensure that:

  • If you do not own the goods, you have the owner’s permission to request delivery.

  • The goods are safe, legal, and not hazardous.

  • Only authorised individuals make bookings, providing any required reference or purchase order at the time of booking. Failure to provide correct information does not exempt you from payment.

  • Consignments are correctly addressed and sufficiently packaged. We may refuse or repackage items at your cost if packaging is inadequate.

  • Adequate insurance coverage is arranged, either through us or independently.

  1. You are responsible for any loss or expenses we incur due to breaches of these terms.

  2. Unless proven otherwise, you are liable for any claims or losses arising from our delivery services.

  3. Retain any damaged goods and their packaging for inspection in the event of a claim.

  4. Payments must be made in full, in GBP, within 30 days of the invoice date. VAT and customs duties must be paid as required.

  5. Invoice queries must be raised within 21 days. Beyond this period, the invoice is deemed accepted.

  6. If special equipment (e.g., forklifts) is needed for loading or unloading, you must ensure availability. Failure to do so will incur costs, including waiting and redelivery fees.

 

 

Our Responsibilities

  1. We may choose delivery methods or routes, including subcontracting services. Subcontractors operate under the same liability limitations.

  2. We will make reasonable efforts to meet delivery deadlines but are not liable for losses due to delays unless agreed in writing.

  3. Quotes are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated. Delivery must occur within 30 days of acceptance to avoid potential revised charges.

  4. We may adjust charges or terms with prior notice.

  5. We reserve the right to refuse consignments or inspect them for safety reasons.

  6. A collection signature does not confirm the condition of the goods.

  7. If we encounter delays of more than 15 minutes during loading or unloading, a surcharge of £50 + VAT per hour may apply.

  8. We may reweigh consignments and adjust charges accordingly. Oversized items may be charged based on volume.

  9. If delivery is unsuccessful due to missing recipient contact details:

  • We will attempt to contact the booker.

  • If unsuccessful, the consignment may be returned at your expense.

  1. Proof of delivery will be provided where possible and serves as conclusive evidence of successful delivery unless issues are reported at the time.

  2. Requests for proof of delivery must be made within 14 days of dispatch. Payment cannot be withheld due to a lack of proof.

  3. We retain hard copy proof of delivery for six months, after which it may be destroyed.

  4. Additional costs incurred during delivery, such as tolls or parking fees, will be added to your invoice.

  5. Payments overdue by seven days may be taken using alternative methods held on file.

 

 

Excess Weight and Dimension Charges

Customers must provide accurate weight and dimensions when booking. If actual measurements exceed those provided or if goods cannot be loaded, we may:

  • Cancel the booking and charge a 100% cancellation fee, or

  • Proceed with transportation and apply an excess weight/dimension charge, subject to vehicle capacity and safety.

 

 

Claims Procedure

Claims related to subcontracted deliveries must be directed to the subcontractor responsible. We will assist in the claims process, but liability remains with the subcontractor unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Booking Terms

  • Cancellation Fees: Light haulage cancellations made after driver dispatch incur a 100% cancellation fee. HGV bookings cancelled within 24 hours of collection time also incur a 100% fee.

  • Late Amendment Fees: Changes affecting mileage, journey time, or loading/unloading after driver dispatch may incur fees.

  • Demurrage Charges: Waiting time charges apply if a driver is delayed on-site. Rates vary based on duration.

By using our services, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.