Terms and Conditions

General Terms and Conditions for Ocean Freight Quotations

1. Validity and Availability

• Offer validity: This quotation is valid until the date expressly stated on the cover/header of this document or until the carrier rate validity date (Rate Validity), whichever occurs first.
• Space and equipment: Rates are subject to vessel space and equipment (containers) availability at the time of formal booking confirmation.
• Rate adjustments: All rates are subject to freight increases or carrier surcharges (GRI, PSS, BAF) in force on the on-board / sailing date.

2. Free Time, Demurrage and Storage

• Free days granted: Container demurrage free days (at origin or destination) are granted strictly according to each shipping line's policy in force at the time of shipment.
• Excess charges: After the free period granted by the carrier, the customer shall bear all daily demurrage and/or detention charges set by the shipping line or container depot.
• Pickup responsibility: The customer is responsible for timely customs clearance and cargo pickup to avoid extra port and storage costs.

3. Payment and Credit Terms

• Payment terms: Prepaid, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Credit terms: Credit terms are those formally agreed on the customer's commercial account, with a maximum of up to 5 days after the vessel has sailed.
• Late charges: After the agreed credit term (maximum 5 days after sailing), the obligation becomes overdue and applicable administrative and/or financial charges will apply on the outstanding balance.
• Document release: For freight prepaid shipments, release of transport documents (MBL/HBL or Express Release) is strictly conditioned on full payment of the invoiced amount.

4. Inclusions, Exclusions and Local Costs

• Quoted items: Only the concepts expressly listed in the quotation are included.
• Not included: Inspections, customs channel/aforo, labor for inspection, and other charges not listed, unless expressly stated.
• Local costs: May be subject to VAT according to applicable rules when invoiced.
• Collect fee: Applies on international costs / freight as configured in the rate, with minimum if applicable.

5. Applicable Exchange Rate

• Currency and settlement: Rates quoted in USD or another foreign currency and invoiced in local currency will be settled at the commercial/official exchange rate in force on the invoice date or vessel arrival (ETA), as applicable under local regulations.

6. Liability and Transport Limitations

• Bill of Lading: Operations are governed by the terms of the Bill of Lading (HBL/MBL) issued for the shipment.
• Liability limit: The company acts as freight forwarder/agent and does not assume direct liability for loss, shortage, damage or delay caused by force majeure, weather, strikes, government decisions or operational failures inherent to the shipping line.
• Insurance: Customers are advised to arrange international cargo insurance for full protection of their goods.

7. Cargo Declaration and Weights (VGM)

• Weight verification: The customer is responsible for providing the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) under SOLAS regulations.
• Inaccurate data: Any fine, penalty, re-weighing cost or container rejection due to inaccurate cargo, weight or tariff classification data will be borne in full by the shipper/consignee.