Customer Terms and Conditions

Last updated: April 28, 2025

Unicargo Supply Chain Solutions

1. Any Negotiated Rate Agreement (NRA) and all future NRAs are subject to the general terms and conditions set forth herein, as well as the NRA rules and Bill of Lading terms as published on our website. Any price offer received by the Customer from Unicargo Supply Chain Solutions (hereinafter "Unicargo") shall be deemed an NRA, as Unicargo solely provides negotiated rates.
2. The initiation of any transportation through our partners, warehousing through our partners, or customs brokerage services through our partners coordinated by Unicargo shall constitute full and binding acceptance by the Customer of the applicable NRA and all related Terms and Conditions herein.
3. The NRA is governed by the terms and conditions stated in this document and by the NRA rules and Bill of Lading terms available on our website at the Unicargo Terms and Conditions page.
4. Unless explicitly specified otherwise, each NRA shall remain valid for a period of thirty (30) calendar days from the date of issuance.
5. The Customer hereby acknowledges and agrees that all NRAs exclusively cover the transportation or warehousing services coordination explicitly listed in writing. Charges not included in the NRA include, but are not limited to: terminal charges, port or airport storage fees, waiting time for trucking, truck detention, pre-pull fees, chassis rental or chassis flip fees, demurrage and detention charges, customs exams or security inspections, duties, taxes, VAT, permit acquisition for importation, U.S. bond fees, insurance of any kind, and any advance payments made by Unicargo to third parties (e.g., customs brokers, port authorities), handling of non-general cargo (restricted goods, hazardous material, temperature-controlled goods, etc.). Such charges and any charges which are not specifically mentioned in the NRA are excluded from the NRA unless specifically noted.
6. The effective shipping date shall be defined as the date shown on the official Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (AWB).
7. The volume-to-weight conversion ratios are defined as follows: airfreight—1:6 (1 cubic meter = 167 kilograms), ocean freight—1:1 (1 cubic meter = 1,000 kilograms), express shipments—1:5 (1 cubic meter = 200 kilograms), and land transportation —1:3 (1 cubic meter = 333 kilograms).
8. For Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments, quoted prices apply to cargo dimensions not exceeding 2.5 meters in length and 2 meters in height.
9. For airfreight shipments, the maximum allowable height per the quoted rate is 160 centimeters.
10. Rates for airfreight shipments are applicable only when shipped by a certified and registered known shipper.
11. Currency conversion rates used in quotations and invoices shall be based on Unicargo's internal exchange rate as determined on the date of shipping or the invoice date, at Unicargo’s sole discretion.
12. Payment Terms: Payment for services rendered by Unicargo shall be due in full prior to execution of such services unless otherwise agreed in writing. Third-party disbursements made on the Customer's behalf (e.g., for customs duties or port charges and other third-party payments) are not included in the NRA and shall be subject to a disbursement fee of 10% on all charges and for duties and taxes 3.5%.
13. The Customer shall not delay, withhold, reduce, or offset any payments due to Unicargo for any reason. Delivery of shipments to their final destination shall be contingent upon full payment to Unicargo.
14. Unicargo retains a general lien on all shipments, goods, assets, and shipping documents whether in its custody or control or not, including past shipments, to secure all outstanding debts owed by the Customer, whether related to the current shipment or not.
15. In the event of late payment beyond seven (7) calendar days from the due date, a late payment interest fee shall be applied at a rate of one percent (1%) per month, or the maximum amount permitted by applicable law, whichever is lower.
16. Attorney’s Fees and Collections: In any legal proceeding or collection activity undertaken to recover unpaid balances owed to Unicargo, the Customer shall be liable for all reasonable legal fees, court costs, and collection expenses incurred by Unicargo.
17. For ocean freight, quoted rates are subject to adjustment due to General Rate Increases (GRI), Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), Congestion Fees, or other carrier-imposed charges that may change without prior notice.
18. If Unicargo is not responsible for drayage or inland trucking, the Customer assumes full responsibility for the timely return of all empty containers to the designated terminal or shipping line.
19. Storage, Detention, Demurrage & Per Diem charges shall be billed according to Unicargo's published tariffs. A container per diem schedule shall apply as follows: four (4) calendar days free; days 5–8: $195/day; days 9–12: $225/day; days 13 and beyond: $295/day (dry van container basis). Deposit fees for such charges may be collected in advance.
20. The Customer shall ensure that all cargo is properly packed and secured by the supplier. Any wooden packing materials must be appropriately fumigated and compliant with ISPM 15 regulations. The Customer bears sole responsibility for legal compliance in both import and export procedures, including labeling, permits, and licensing.
21. The Customer acknowledges and agrees that final charges may vary from initial quotations due to the inclusion of duties, taxes, GRI, congestion surcharges, detention, demurrage, or storage fees. No right of setoff shall exist. Unicargo maintains a right of lien on all goods or related assets to guarantee outstanding payments, including those related to previous shipments.
22. Unicargo’s liability for any professional services rendered, including those impacted by cyber risk, shall be limited to an aggregate amount not exceeding fifty thousand U.S. dollars (USD $50,000). The Customer is solely responsible for insuring the cargo, including marine, air, road, and warehouse insurance, and waives subrogation rights against Unicargo. Unicargo shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.
23. Unicargo shall not be held responsible for customs classification changes or reclassifications (e.g., HS Code changes) imposed by customs authorities. All subsequent duties or penalties shall be borne by the Customer.
24. All NRAs are offered by Unicargo in its capacity as a logistics agent only and a coordinator of services only. Unicargo does not operate as a carrier or a warehouseman and shall not be held liable for any damages, shortages, or losses occurring outside of its direct, actual, and physical control. In any case, liability will not exceed the maximum liability stated in paragraph 22, including legal fees, interest of any kind, and direct or indirect damages.
25. Transit schedules and sailing or flight dates are estimates only and are subject to change based on carrier schedules, port congestion, strikes, weather, or other delays. Unicargo shall not be liable for any schedule modifications made by third-party service providers.
26. Unicargo’s liability shall be governed by applicable international conventions, including, but not limited to: the Hague-Visby Rules (sea freight), Montreal Convention (air freight), and the CMR Convention (road freight). If a bill of lading is issued, its terms shall prevail. Unicargo shall not be liable for force majeure events such as war, strikes, terrorism, epidemics, or natural disasters. The Customer must report in writing any claims of loss or damage within seven (7) calendar days from discovery. Failure to do so constitutes a waiver of the right to file any claims.
27. These Terms & Conditions shall govern all future NRAs and any logistics services coordinated by Unicargo for the Customer, unless explicitly amended in writing.
28. Specialized Services Addendum: Unicargo provides specialized logistics services coordination, and the following supplemental terms shall apply:
    1. Alcohol Transportation: The Customer affirms that all alcoholic beverages transported under Unicargo’s services comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including licensing, labeling, age restrictions, and reporting requirements. Unicargo shall not be responsible for obtaining permits or ensuring legal compliance beyond the physical coordination of transport. The Customer shall be solely responsible for any delays or fines due to non-compliance.
    2. Concert Merchandise Delivery: For shipments of concert merchandise with expedited or time-definite delivery windows, Unicargo shall make best efforts to meet required delivery timelines based on details provided by the Customer. Unicargo is not liable for delays due to traffic, force majeure, or third-party performance. The Customer shall provide clear consignee contact details and advance notice of any special event access requirements.
    3. Time-Critical Freight (Including Trade Shows): All shipments for trade shows or event-based logistics must be clearly labeled with target delivery windows and marshaling yard instructions where applicable. Unicargo shall not be held liable for penalties or event fees resulting from late arrival unless caused by gross negligence. The Customer is responsible for scheduling dock appointments where needed.
    4. Small Parcel Shipments (FedEx/UPS): Unicargo leverages proprietary small parcel rates for FedEx and UPS services. All small parcel shipments are subject to the terms, limitations of liability, and service conditions of the respective carriers. The Customer agrees to be bound by FedEx and UPS terms regarding address correction surcharges, residential delivery fees, oversize handling charges, and claims processes. Unicargo assumes no liability for lost or damaged packages beyond the limits provided by the carriers.
29. Governing Law: All questions regarding the construction, interpretation, and enforcement of this Contract and the rights and liabilities of the parties, whether in tort, contract, or otherwise, shall be governed and decided in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of New Jersey, without giving effect to its conflict of laws rules.
30. Jurisdiction and Venue: In the event of any legal dispute, the parties hereby irrevocably submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in New Jersey. The parties agree that such courts shall be the sole and exclusive venue for any and all legal proceedings.