Terms and Conditions

1.1 “Bill of Lading” (B/L): A document created by the Shipping Line for transporting cargo from one sea port to another, establishing the terms of a contract between a Customer and a transportation company. It serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.

1.2 “Cargo” (Goods): The cargo received from the shipper, described on the face side of the Bill, and carried or to be carried by an aircraft or shipping line, excluding mail or other property carried under international postal conventions, baggage, or property of the carrier.

1.3 “Carrier”: Any person or entity undertaking to perform or procure carriage by rail, road, sea, air, or inland waterway, and the company named on the front of the B/L as the carrier.

1.4 “Consignee”: The person entitled to receive the goods from the Carrier.

1.5 “Container”: Carrier’s refrigerated/reefer container measuring 20′ and/or 40′.

1.6 “Customer”: The person or entity receiving services from Freight-In.

1.7 “FIATA”: International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations.

1.8 “PIFFA”: Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association.

1.9 “Port Of Discharge (POD)”: The port where cargo is discharged from the means of transport.

1.10 “Port Of Loading (POL)”: The port where cargo is loaded onto a seagoing vessel with Carrier for transport.

1.11 “Product”: The products/goods described on the Bill of Lading.

1.12 “Freight-in”: Refers to the freight-in service.

1.13 “Services”: As defined in Clause III of this contract.

1.14 “STC”: Standard Trading Conditions of PIFFA.

1.15 “Temperature”: The tentative temperature range of the Product, if required.

1.16 “Terminal”: An area where containers are prepared for loading onto or are stacked immediately after discharge from a vessel, train, truck, or airplane.

1.17 “Terminal Charge”: A charge for services performed in a carrier’s terminal area.

ROLE OF Freight-In

2.1 Freight-in may provide the Customer with updated shipment or Container status regularly.

2.2 When acting as an agent, Freight-in acts solely on behalf of the Carrier or third party, establishing a direct agreement between the Customer and the service provider.

2.3 Freight-in agrees to arrange transportation of Customer’s freight in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, with responsibility limited to arranging, not performing, the transportation.

2.4 Freight-in is not responsible for the performance or negligence of third parties such as carriers, warehouse personnel, stevedores, port authorities, and other freight forwarders.

2.5 Freight-in’s liability ends once the Cargo is handed over to the Carrier or Terminal and/or the B/L is issued. Thereafter, all claims must be directed to the relevant parties.

2.6 Any claims by the Customer or Consignee for loss, damage, or other issues must be filed in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Airway Bill against the Carrier.

CUSTOMER OBLIGATION

3.1 The Customer warrants it is the importer, exporter, or owner of the goods and has full authority to retain and instruct Freight-in.

3.2 The Customer is responsible for loading cargo safely and securely and providing a temperature certificate and indemnity letter. Any damage, loss, or rejection of shipment due to improper handling is the Customer’s responsibility.

3.3 The Customer ensures all information and documents provided are accurate and complete. The Customer is liable for any discrepancies or violations.

3.4 If the Consignee does not take delivery of the goods, Freight-In or Carrier may take necessary measures at the Customer’s risk and expense.

3.5 Any cargo discrepancies at the destination must be reported to the Carrier before taking delivery.

FINANCIAL TERMS

4.1 The Customer shall pay as provided in Annexure B for the Services, exclusive of taxes and other charges.

4.2 Payments must be made in full within the agreed timeframe via crossed cheque, Pay Order, or online transfer.

4.3 Freight-in is entitled to retain customary brokerages, commissions, and other remunerations.

4.4 Disputes over invoices must be reported within 7 days of receipt; otherwise, they cannot be disputed.

4.5 The Customer is liable for all disbursements made by Freight-in on their behalf, including customs duties, fines, penalties, and any other expenses incurred.

4.6 The Customer must indemnify Freight-in for any expenses incurred in providing services.

4.7 Late payments will incur financial charges at a specified rate until the claim is settled.

4.8 Freight-in reserves the right to withhold documents, suspend or terminate the contract, and take other actions for overdue payments.

4.9 Payments to the Transporter shall not be withheld for any reason and must be made in full.

INDEMNITY/UNDERTAKING AND INSURANCE

5.1 The Customer shall indemnify Freight-in against any loss, damage, liability, or expense arising from breach of contract or negligence.

5.2 The Customer guarantees that the cargo contains no illegal or prohibited items and that all descriptions and particulars are accurate.

5.3 Freight-in is not responsible for loss, damage, or delays caused by external factors beyond its control.

5.4 Any issues with shipments held or scrutinized by authorities are not Freight-in’s responsibility.

5.5 Freight-in is not liable for any delays, detentions, or other liabilities while the cargo is in the custody of related agencies.

5.6 The Customer must maintain adequate insurance for their goods/products.

FORCE MAJEURE

6.1 Freight-in is not liable for losses or damages caused by events beyond its control, such as wars, strikes, riots, terrorist attacks, epidemics, natural disasters, or governmental actions.

6.2 Expenses arising from force majeure events shall be charged to the Customer.

LAW, JURISDICTION AND CONCILIATION

7.1 This contract is governed by the laws of Pakistan, with preference given to PIFFA standard terms and conditions, and disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Lahore.

7.2 Disputes shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act, 1940, before any legal action is taken. Arbitration will be held in Lahore in English, and the decision will be final and binding.

GENERAL

8.1 This contract does not create an agency, joint venture, partnership, employment relationship, or similar relationship between the parties.

8.2 If any part of this contract is declared unenforceable, the remainder will remain valid and enforceable.

8.3 Notices must be in English and can be given by registered mail, fax, or email.

8.4 Information about this contract must not be disclosed to third parties except under specific circumstances.

8.5 Freight-In will not entertain claims regarding transit delays.

8.6 This contract supersedes all prior agreements and can only be modified in writing signed by both parties.