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TERMS AND CONDITIONS – FORWARD FREIGHT

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 These Terms and Conditions (“the Terms”) govern all transport, logistics, courier, freight and delivery services provided by Forward Freight (“the Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”) to the person, firm or company purchasing or receiving services (“the Client”, “you”, “your”).

1.2 By requesting, booking or accepting any service from us, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to be bound by these Terms, which shall apply in priority to any other terms issued by you.

1.3 No variation to these Terms shall be valid unless agreed in writing by an authorised representative of the Company.
2. LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

2.1 We will exercise all reasonable care, skill and diligence in the performance of our services. HOWEVER: We shall not be liable for any loss, damage, delay, cost, expense or failure to perform services where such loss, damage or failure is NOT caused by our own negligence, error, act or omission.

2.2 We accept NO liability whatsoever for:

• Loss, damage, breakage or deterioration arising from the nature of the goods themselves, inherent vice, wear and tear, or goods that are fragile, perishable or susceptible to changes in temperature or environment, unless we have agreed special handling in writing;

• Loss or damage caused by improper or inadequate packing, incorrect labeling, incorrect addressing, or insufficient protection by you or a third party;

• Loss or damage caused by the act, omission, negligence or default of you, the sender, the consignee, or any third party (including but not limited to customs, port authorities, or other carriers);

• Any indirect or consequential loss including, but not limited to, loss of profit, loss of business, loss of income, loss of contracts, or financial loss of any kind, howsoever arising;

• Loss or damage to goods that are over-packed, under-packed, or packed in containers not suitable for transport;

• Any loss or damage where you have failed to provide accurate or complete information regarding the goods, their value, weight, dimensions or contents.

2.3 FORCE MAJEURE: We shall have no liability or responsibility for any failure, delay, interruption or cancellation of services caused by circumstances BEYOND OUR REASONABLE CONTROL. These include (but are not limited to):

• Acts of God, severe weather conditions, storms, floods, fire, earthquake or natural disasters;

• War, terrorism, civil unrest, riots, strikes, lock-outs, labour disputes or industrial action;

• Governmental actions, laws, regulations, prohibitions, import/export restrictions, customs holds, border delays or official interventions;

• Road closures, traffic accidents, congestion, road works, route diversions or restrictions;

• Vehicle breakdown, mechanical failure, or delay or failure of third-party suppliers, subcontractors or carriers;

• Any other cause whatsoever which is not within our direct control.

In such cases, we are entitled to suspend, cancel or reschedule services without penalty, and any additional costs incurred shall be your responsibility.
3. PAYMENT TERMS

3.1 Payment is strictly due 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF INVOICE (“Net 30 days”). Payment must be made in full by this date without any deduction, discount, set-off or counterclaim unless previously agreed in writing.

3.2 Methods of Payment – We accept the following payment options:

• ✅ Credit Card / Debit Card – payments accepted securely over the telephone or via our online payment portal;

• ✅ Bank Transfer / BACS / Faster Payments – account details shown on all invoices;

• ✅ Cheque – accepted only by prior arrangement and subject to clearance before services are provided;

• ✅ Cash – by prior agreement only.

3.3 All prices quoted are exclusive of VAT, which will be added at the standard UK rate where applicable.

3.4 Late Payment: If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to:

• Charge interest at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate on overdue amounts, under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998;

• Charge reasonable costs and expenses incurred in recovering overdue payments;

• Suspend or cancel all current and future services immediately, until full payment is received.
4. GOODS, PACKAGING AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

4.1 Packing and Description

4.1.1 You warrant that all goods handed to us are:

• Properly, securely and professionally packed, protected and labeled suitable for road transport and handling;

• Accurately described as to nature, quantity, weight, dimensions and value;

• Legibly and correctly addressed with full contact details for collection and delivery.

4.1.2 We are NOT liable for any loss or damage caused by poor or insufficient packing, or incorrect labeling.

4.2 PROHIBITED GOODS – IMPORTANT

4.2.1 We DO NOT accept, carry or transport the following items under any circumstances:

• Cash, banknotes, currency, negotiable instruments, securities, share certificates, bonds or precious metals;

• Jewellery, gemstones, precious stones, watches or items of high value;

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks or weapons of any kind;

• Hazardous goods, dangerous substances, chemicals, flammable, toxic, radioactive or corrosive materials;

• Illegal goods, counterfeit items, controlled drugs or substances;

• Live animals, plants or perishable foodstuffs (unless specifically agreed in writing with special terms);

• Art, antiques, glass, ceramics or extremely fragile items (unless packed in approved custom-made cases and agreed in writing);

• Any item prohibited by law or regulation.

4.2.2 If you hand over prohibited goods without our knowledge, you are fully liable for all loss, damage, fines, penalties or legal action arising.
5. COLLECTION AND DELIVERY

5.1 Collection: You must ensure goods are ready and available for collection at the agreed time and location. If goods are not ready, or no-one is available to hand them over, we reserve the right to charge a failed collection fee and re-schedule at your cost.

5.2 Delivery Times: Any times or dates given for delivery are ESTIMATES ONLY. Whilst we make every effort to meet agreed schedules, time is NOT of the essence. We are not liable for delays caused by traffic, weather, road conditions, or any other factors outside our control.

5.3 Delivery Process: Delivery is deemed complete when goods are left at the agreed address or signed for by any person at that address. If no-one is available to receive, we may:

• Leave goods in a safe place;

• Leave with a neighbour;

• Return goods to our depot and charge for re-delivery.

5.4 Access: You warrant that the collection and delivery locations are accessible by our vehicles. If access is restricted or impossible, extra charges may apply.
6. INSURANCE AND VALUE LIMITS

6.1 Standard Cover: Our standard liability is limited to £1.30 per kilogram of goods lost or damaged, OR the actual value of the goods, WHICHEVER IS LOWER. This is the maximum we will pay unless you have arranged and paid for additional insurance cover.

6.2 Additional Insurance: You may request extra insurance cover for high-value items. This must be agreed and paid for BEFORE collection, and a written confirmation issued by us. Without this, the standard limit applies.

6.3 Exclusions: Insurance cover does NOT apply to prohibited goods, or to loss/damage caused by bad packing, the nature of the goods, or events outside our control.
7. CLAIMS PROCEDURE

7.1 Any claim for loss, damage, shortage or delay must be notified to us IN WRITING within 7 WORKING DAYS of the delivery date, or within 7 days of the intended delivery date if goods are missing.

7.2 No claim will be accepted or considered after this 7-day period.

7.3 All claims must be supported by proof of value (invoice, receipt or valuation), and photographic evidence where applicable.

7.4 We will not process any claim until all outstanding invoices relating to that or any other service have been paid in full.
8. CANCELLATION AND CHANGES

8.1 If you cancel a booking less than 24 hours before collection, or change details after confirmation, we reserve the right to charge a cancellation or amendment fee.

8.2 We may cancel or refuse any service at our discretion, without liability, if we believe goods are unsafe, illegal, or we cannot perform the service safely or legally.
9. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

9.1 These Terms and all contracts between us are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

9.2 Any dispute arising out of or in connection with our services shall be subject exclusively to the jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.