Tracking your shipment Terms and Policy
This document outlines the full agreement between Strime Line Connect Logistics (“Broker”) and the customer, shipper, and/or consignee (“Customer”), which comprises: (i) any quote issued by Broker, (ii) these Terms and Conditions of Transportation Services, and (iii) any additional terms agreed in writing by both parties (collectively, the “Agreement”). The Agreement becomes effective upon Customer’s acknowledgment or Broker’s performance. These Terms govern all shipments arranged by Customer and may be revised at Broker’s discretion. Any conflicting or additional terms proposed by Customer are void unless expressly agreed in writing by Broker.
1. Transportation Documents
Broker functions as (i) a domestic freight broker, (ii) a freight forwarder or indirect air carrier for air shipments, and (iii) a freight forwarder for ocean shipments. Broker is not a carrier except when explicitly agreeing in writing to operate as a non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC). Broker reserves the right to refuse to schedule any shipment at its discretion.
“Goods” refers to all cargo received and accepted by Broker under a single bill of lading. Shipments will be documented via Transportation Documents, including bills of lading, air waybills, ocean bills of lading, warehouse receipts, or other legal custody documents. In case of conflict, carrier tariffs take precedence, followed by Transportation Documents, and finally this Agreement.
Shipments originating outside the U.S. are subject to contracts with the accepting subsidiary, branch, or contractor. Air and ocean shipments must use Broker-issued Transportation Documents, which are non-negotiable. Unauthorized changes void Broker obligations. Broker may, at Customer expense, complete or correct necessary documents. Any substitute Transportation Document governs delivery terms, and Broker is not liable for any actions under this provision.
2. Customer Warranties
Customer affirms that (i) they are the lawful owner of all Goods or authorized to store/control them via Broker, (ii) will follow all applicable laws and regulations, including customs and hazardous material rules, (iii) provide accurate and timely shipment details, (iv) attach all required documents to Transportation Documents, (v) properly mark items for identification, (vi) measure items accurately, and (vii) designate representatives to sign all pickup documents.
Broker is not liable for losses from Customer’s failure to comply. Authorized representatives must have the right to legally bind Customer. Broker does not assume ownership or risk of loss of Goods unless explicitly stated. Customer indemnifies Broker from claims arising from Customer instructions, warranty breaches, or negligence by Customer or their agents.
3. Payment
All payments are in USD and due NET fifteen (15) days from invoice, subject to credit approval. Late payments accrue interest at 1.5% per month or the maximum legal rate. Payments are applied to the oldest invoices first. Overdue accounts may incur legal fees and a 33% late payment penalty. Credit card payments include a 3.5% processing fee.
Customers are responsible for all shipment-related charges, including transportation, accessorial fees, duties, taxes, and legal costs. Broker may adjust invoices for incorrect initial information. Disputes must be raised within thirty (30) business days.
4. Claims
Claims for loss, damage, delay, or non-delivery must be filed within 120 days of shipment. Original cartons and contents must be retained. Acceptance without noting damage constitutes proof of delivery in good condition. Freight must be paid to process claims.
Claims must be submitted in writing to Strime Line Connect Logistics, 112 Airpark Center E Building B, Nashville, TN 37217, United States, Attn: Claims Department, or contact@strimelineconnect.com. Broker has no liability for assisting in claims and retains a lien on recovery amounts for past due invoices.
5. Limitations of Liability
Broker’s liability is limited per shipment, based on shipment type and applicable carrier tariffs. Domestic full truckload: lesser of actual value, $500 per container, or $100,000 per occurrence. Domestic LTL and air shipments: limited to $0.50 per lb, $50 per shipment, or invoice value. International air: limited per applicable conventions or $20/kg. Maritime shipments: limited to $500 per packing unit or per applicable convention.
Broker is not liable for losses caused by carriers, Customer, or the nature of goods. No warranties are provided, including delivery guarantees. Special, indirect, or consequential damages are excluded. Customer waives remedies under 49 U.S.C. Subtitle IV, Part B to the extent permitted by law.
6. Quotations and Rates
Quotes are informational and may change. Rates must be accepted in writing prior to booking. LTL rates are based on NMFC classifications. Transit times are estimates and rates include applicable fuel surcharges unless noted.
Additional charges may apply for overweight containers or surcharges. Broker’s compensation for services is included in addition to third-party charges. A 3% cash outlay applies if Broker pays any charges on Customer’s behalf.
7. Cargo Insurance
Broker does not provide cargo insurance unless agreed in writing. Customer may obtain insurance at their expense. Insurance certificates reflect declared value coverage, subject to terms and conditions. Failure to purchase insurance limits recovery to carrier tariffs.
Insurance issuance, denial, and claims are the responsibility of the carrier. Report apparent loss/damage upon delivery; concealed loss must be reported within five (5) days. Broker is not liable for insurance disputes or claim denials.
8. Right to Reject Requests for Shipping Services
Broker may refuse shipments at its discretion. Restricted or hazardous items under DOT, IATA, or ICAO rules will not be transported. Examples include:
- Animals
- Plants
- Chemicals
- Perishables
- Currency
- Precious Metals
- Explosives
- Precious Stones
- Alcohol
- Bearer Instruments
9. Obligations of Broker
Broker shall provide freight brokering services professionally and legally. Broker holds all necessary licenses, permits, and authorizations required to perform under this Agreement.
All carriers engaged by Broker will maintain legally required insurance and authorizations. Broker will comply with laws and provide reports to Customer as requested.
10. Independent Contractor
Broker operates as an independent contractor. Broker’s employees are not Customer’s employees. Customer cannot direct Broker personnel.
Broker may subcontract as needed, with such subcontractors fully under Broker’s control.
11. Carrier’s and Warehouseman’s Lien
Broker and subcontractors hold a general lien on all Goods until payment of all amounts due. Sale may occur publicly or privately after 10 days’ notice. Surplus proceeds go to Customer; deficiencies remain Customer responsibility.
Broker has a security interest in Goods until all obligations are satisfied. Delivery may be withheld for unpaid obligations, and Broker may exercise all secured-party rights under the Uniform Commercial Code.
12. Force Majeure
Broker is not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, governmental actions, labor disputes, accidents, mechanical failures, or legal changes.
13. Non-Exclusivity
This Agreement is non-exclusive; both parties may engage in similar arrangements with other entities, provided it does not interfere with performance.
14. Miscellaneous
This Agreement benefits and binds the parties and their successors. Assignment requires written consent. Non-enforcement does not waive rights. This document supersedes prior agreements and may only be modified in writing. Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder.
15. Governing Law
This Agreement and Transportation Documents are governed by the law of the area where performance has a jusisdiction by the law. Jurisdiction is exclusively in agreed County Courts or U.S. District Courts for the applied state. Customer consents to such jurisdiction.