This English translation is provided for your convenience. The German version (Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen) is legally binding.
General terms and conditions (GTC) as of 01/06/2025
General terms and conditions for freight forwarding and logistics services
Preamble
We know that terms and conditions are not exactly anyone's favourite reading – so we have summarised the most important points: it matters a great deal to us that our transports run smoothly and that our customers are satisfied. This works best when we cooperate well.
From the customer's point of view, it is worth contacting customer service early if you have any questions or uncertainties.
We look forward to working with you and wish you a good (transport) journey!
1 Scope of the general terms and conditions
These general terms and conditions (GTC) govern the contractual relationship between the client and transportami AG. They apply to all contracts for the performance of transport services and any additional services, including insurance services, regardless of how these contracts were concluded.
In this document, the terms 'us' and 'we' refer to transportami AG.
Deviating terms of the client do not become part of the contract unless we have expressly agreed to them. Our silence in response to deviating terms does not constitute consent.
Our prices are generally stated in euros (EUR). For deliveries in Switzerland, we state prices in Swiss francs (CHF).
2 Conclusion of the contract
2.1 Placing an order
An order can be placed via the form on our website, via an API we provide or by email. After the order has been placed, its acceptance is confirmed to the client by email.
2.2 Entering an order
When entering an order, the client must fill in all details in accordance with the form currently in use on our website completely. This includes at least the information marked as mandatory on the website.
Individual information on access restrictions (section 8.5) or vehicle restrictions (section 7.6) must be communicated to us by the client before the order is entered, so that we can decide whether we can carry out the order. Additional costs arising, for example, from incorrect information in the form, access restrictions or vehicle restrictions will be invoiced to the client and must be borne by the client.
2.3 Order confirmation
The order confirmation is sent to the client by email. The contract is deemed concluded as soon as this order confirmation has been sent.
3 Cancellation
3.1 Free cancellation
Bookings can be cancelled free of charge by the client up to 24 hours before the start of the planned pickup day. We are also entitled to cancel free of charge within this period. The cancellation must be made in writing by email, stating the order number.
There must be one full calendar day between the cancellation and the planned pickup day for the cancellation to be free of charge. Example: a shipment is to be picked up on 24 August. If the cancellation email reaches our inbox by 11:59 pm on 22 August, the cancellation is free of charge.
3.2 Cancellation subject to a charge
Cancellations by the client made outside the period stated in section 3.1 are subject to a charge. In this case, a cancellation fee of 100% of the agreed transport costs is payable. Additionally booked services such as transport insurance, notification by phone etc. are chargeable additional services that are invoiced separately. In the event of a cancellation that is not made in time in accordance with section 3.1, these additional services must also be paid in full if arrangements or preparations have already been made.
3.3 Unilateral cancellation
We reserve the right to cancel an order if one of the following conditions applies:
- The client has provided incorrect information about their ability to pay.
- When booking, the client did not provide all the required information in accordance with the requirements set out in section 2.2, provided incorrect information or does not respond promptly to queries from our customer service.
- Important information required for carrying out the order and calculating the price is missing, for example information on access restrictions (section 8.5) or vehicle restrictions (section 7.6 ).
- There are indications of fraudulent behaviour by the client or a party involved in the contract.
- The client wants to hand over to us goods excluded from transport (see section 4.1) or goods subject to notification (see section 4.2) without consulting customer service beforehand.
- Carrying out the order is not possible due to our available resources.
4 Goods excluded from shipping & goods subject to notification
4.1 Goods excluded from shipping
The following goods are excluded from shipping and must not be handed over to us for transport or storage:
- goods whose possession or shipment is prohibited by law,
- goods that pose a danger to health, safety or property,
- firearms and ammunition,
- perishable or temperature-controlled goods, in particular fresh food,
- living things (animals, plants etc.),
- household removal goods,
- alcohol, spirits
- tobacco products (incl. e-cigarettes, liquids for e-cigarettes)
- works of art, antiques, paintings and valuables such as precious metals, precious stones, real pearls, jewellery, means of payment, securities, value vouchers, genuine carpets and furs, documents and certificates.
- glass materials on glass racks,
- motor vehicles, aircraft and watercraft of all kinds,
- damaged goods incl. goods/vehicles to be towed or recovered,
- goods over 13.6 metres in length,
- goods heavier than 24 tonnes,
- filled tanks.
The customer can state the contents of the goods when entering the order. We expressly do not check, verify or inspect the contents; this is the sole responsibility of the client.
We currently do not offer the transport of dangerous goods via the form on our website (see section 5.1).
Dangerous goods include in particular – but not exclusively – flammable, explosive or otherwise dangerous substances within the meaning of the applicable dangerous goods regulations (e.g. ADR). Among other things, the following are excluded from transport:
- flammable liquids such as oil, fuels (e.g. petrol, diesel) and gases,
- batteries and accumulators (in particular lithium batteries),
- substances with hazardous properties (e.g. toxic, corrosive, environmentally hazardous),
- items that contain such substances or are contaminated with them (e.g. machines filled with oil, containers with residual quantities, oil-soaked materials).
Secondary substances or residues (e.g. residual oil in engines, canisters or filters) also count as dangerous goods and are excluded from transport. The client is obliged not to hand over any such goods for carriage. In the event of a breach, the client is liable for all resulting damage, costs and legal consequences.
4.2 Goods subject to notification
When valuable goods (at least EUR 100/kg) or goods at risk of theft are transported, the client must in every case inform us in writing in advance of the nature and value of the goods and the existing risk.
Goods at risk of theft include, among others:
- optical devices (incl. photo/video equipment),
- communication and entertainment electronics (incl. tablets/laptops),
- computers incl. accessories and software,
- mobile IT devices (incl. mobile phones/smartphones),
- memory (chips) and processors.
If there are any uncertainties or doubts as to whether certain goods can be shipped, we ask the client to contact our customer service.
5 Dangerous goods and part loads/full truckloads
5.1 Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are defined in accordance with the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). We currently do not offer the transport of dangerous goods via the form on our website.
Clients who wish to have dangerous goods transported can, however, make individual requests by email or by contacting our customer service.
5.2 Part loads and full truckloads
We currently do not offer transports of part loads and full truckloads via the form on our website.
Clients who wish to have part loads or full truckloads transported can, however, make individual requests by email or by contacting our customer service.
6 The client's right to issue instructions
The client has an order-related right to issue instructions to specify the services. If these instructions are unclear or cannot be implemented, we reserve the right to act on our own responsibility and to the best of our knowledge.
In general, we follow the client's instructions. In the case of obvious errors or if an instruction cannot be implemented, we will point this out to the client. If the client nevertheless insists on it being carried out, we accept no liability for damage or disadvantages resulting from following this instruction.
7 Handling of transports
7.1 Transport partners
All claims arising from the business relationship between the client and the contractor must be addressed directly to us. Our customer service is available at service@transportami.com.
The goods are carried by our transport partners with whom we have concluded cooperation agreements. Both we and our partners ensure that transports are carried out in accordance with the statutory regulations.
The decision on the means of transport to be used lies with our transport partners, who make it at their professional discretion.
7.2 Undeliverability
If goods remain with the transport partner for longer than three working days because they cannot be delivered, we will charge a storage fee from the fourth working day. This fee is EUR 1.00 (CHF 1.00) per day for each Euro pallet space occupied by the goods. For goods that take up less space than one Euro pallet space, a minimum storage fee of EUR 1.00 (CHF 1.00) per day is also charged. Putting goods into and taking them out of storage is charged at EUR 5.00 (CHF 5.00) per pallet space each.
If delivery is not possible (e.g. the recipient refuses to accept the goods, the address cannot be found or similar), we will contact the client to find a solution. Disposing of the goods or invoicing third parties is excluded. If no organisationally feasible, legally permissible instruction is given within 3 working days of the first contact, the goods will be returned to the pickup location at the client's expense, with permission to leave them unattended and uninsured.
7.3 Unsuccessful collection or delivery attempts
In the event of an unsuccessful delivery or pickup, we reserve the right to charge the client double the freight price for a new delivery or pickup attempt. If the goods are returned to the sender for a specific reason without a further delivery attempt being made, additional costs arise for returning the goods, which will be invoiced to the client.
Subsequent services, new delivery or pickup attempts and other additional services are only carried out once payment has been received in full. Until the corresponding claims have been settled, there is no entitlement to further processing or execution of the order.
In addition, in the event of delays during pickup or delivery at the respective addresses, a fee of EUR 30 (CHF 30) is charged for every 15 minutes or part thereof once the waiting time exceeds 15 minutes.
7.4 Deviating information
If the quantities, weights or volumes to be transported differ at pickup from the information provided by the client, we are free to subsequently charge the difference from the regular transport costs plus a handling fee of EUR 30.00 (CHF 30.00). If smaller quantities than ordered are loaded, the client is not entitled to a refund.
7.5 Adherence to dates
The dates given for pickups and deliveries are to be understood as expected time windows. The stated transit times correspond to the usual time spans for the respective routes. However, we cannot guarantee that these transit times will be met, as unforeseeable factors such as traffic obstructions or waiting times at other clients can lead to delays.
Although we always endeavour to be punctual, there is no entitlement to compensation in the event of deviations from the communicated times for pickup and delivery.
7.6 Vehicle restrictions
Access to the pickup and delivery addresses specified by the client must be possible without restriction for a standard 2-axle lorry (total weight up to 18 tonnes, length approx. 10 metres, width 2.5 metres, height 4 metres).
The client must inform us expressly and without being asked of any restrictions regarding access before placing the order. If no such notification is given, the client is liable for any resulting delays or additional costs. These will be invoiced to the client separately
7.7 Force majeure
If routes are closed due to weather or traffic events and the goods therefore cannot be delivered, or can only be delivered late, there is no claim for liability
7.8 Booking loading docks or time slots
If a loading dock or time slot has to be booked at a sender or recipient, these additional costs are not included in the transport price.
8 Obligations of the client
8.1 Time and place
The client is responsible for handing over the goods to our transport partner at the contractually agreed time and place.
8.2 General cargo transport
As a rule, we carry out our transports as general cargo transport (groupage). This means that goods from different clients are transported together. For this reason, the goods must be packed and labelled appropriately for general cargo transport to ensure safe carriage even with repeated reloading (transhipment). All goods must be packed securely for transport.
8.3 Loading and unloading
The client is responsible for loading and unloading unless explicitly agreed otherwise with us. The driver usually helps.
8.4 Handover and acceptance of goods
The client must ensure the handover and acceptance of the goods. Before handing over the goods, the client must provide us with all the necessary information.
8.5 Access
For access to the pickup and delivery location, the client must observe the vehicle restrictions (see section 7.6). If access is only possible with smaller vehicles or special vehicles, we must be informed of this in advance and it must be described in the order. Any additional costs incurred as a result will be invoiced to the client. We are entitled to withdraw from the order in the event of access restrictions. The pickup and delivery location must be accessible via a public road.
9 Prices, invoicing, payment
9.1 Prices
The prices stated on our website apply to our services, plus VAT in the stated currency. The VAT amount is shown separately on the invoice.
9.2 Scope
The stated prices/rates apply to all places that can be reached regularly via public roads. Additional costs for connecting journeys, in particular in connection with mountain railways, cable cars, ferries or comparable means of transport, are generally not included in the price and will be invoiced to the client separately.
9.3 Payment methods
The payment methods offered may vary depending on the country (credit card, PayPal, invoice etc.) and are shown in the payment process. In certain cases, we offer registered customers the option of paying by bank transfer after receiving the invoice. In this case, payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date.
When booking a transport, our clients receive an invoice in electronic form.
10 Packaging
10.1 Suitable packaging
The client is obliged to hand over the goods to be shipped to us ready for dispatch. The client bears sole responsibility for appropriate packaging of the goods suitable for transport and storage.
In addition, the client must prepare the goods for transport on suitable loading aids, such as pallets, so that the goods can be transhipped.
Instructions or notes on the packaging that require special handling of the goods are not binding for us. They do not release the client from their responsibility to ensure secure packaging of the goods that is suitable for both transport and storage.
10.2 Transport safety
We are not obliged to check the packaging of the goods for transport safety. However, if it is obvious that the goods are not packed securely for transport, we reserve the right to refuse to accept the goods. The resulting journey counts as a chargeable wasted journey.
10.3 Exclusion of liability
transportami is released from any liability if loss, damage or failure to meet the delivery deadline is due to inadequate packaging or labelling by the sender. In this case, the statutory exclusions of liability apply.
10.4 Labelling of packaging units
The client is responsible for labelling the packaging units. The minimum information required for each packaging unit is the sender's and recipient's address. Each individual package must bear a label.
11 Liability, insurance and complaints
Within Germany, our liability is governed by the provisions of the German Freight Forwarders' Standard Terms and Conditions (Allgemeine Deutsche Spediteurbedingungen, ADSp) as amended from time to time and by the statutory provisions of sections 407 et seq. of the German Commercial Code (HGB). In section 23, the ADSp 2017 deviate from the statutory maximum liability for damage to goods (section 431 HGB) by limiting liability for multimodal transports including carriage by sea and where the place of damage is unknown to 2 SDR/kg and, in all other cases, by additionally limiting the standard liability of 8.33 SDR/kg to EUR 1.25 million per claim and EUR 2.5 million per loss event, but at least 2 SDR/kg.
For transports within Switzerland, the carrier liability provisions (Frachtführerhaftungsbestimmungen, FFHB) & the ASTAG general terms and conditions apply, and for transports within the Netherlands the AVC General Transport Conditions, each as amended from time to time.
We accept no liability for orders concerning goods excluded from shipping under section 4.1. Likewise, we accept no liability for goods subject to notification under section 4.2 that have not been agreed with us in writing in advance. Insurance of stored goods only applies if agreed in writing.
We therefore offer liability in accordance with the country-specific statutory provisions for freight forwarders. In addition, within the European Union, cargo transport insurance can be taken out at the customer's request to ensure more comprehensive protection for shipments. Our customer service will help with individual questions.
If the client commissions transport insurance through us, it is taken out in accordance with the stated conditions. We do not check whether the goods to be transported can be insured in principle or whether taking out insurance is sensible or economical in the specific case. It is solely the client's responsibility to find out in good time and on their own responsibility whether the respective goods can be insured and what benefit insurance offers (DTV-Güter 2008). The scope of the insurance cover, the conditions under which it applies and any exclusions are governed exclusively by the insurer's conditions applicable at the time.
Complaints require meaningful photo documentation. The client must send this to our customer service. Visible damage must be externally recognisable on delivery and noted on the delivery note without delay. Hidden damage must be reported to us immediately after it is discovered, but no later than 7 days after delivery.
12 Euro pallet exchange
12.1 Private customers
Euro pallets, mesh pallet boxes, IBCs, frames and lids cannot be exchanged at pickup or delivery. In this case they count as part of the packaging.
13 Final provisions
The client is only entitled to rights of set-off or retention insofar as their claim has been legally established or is undisputed.
Should a clause of this agreement prove to be invalid, the remaining clauses remain valid.
In addition to these general terms and conditions, the ADSp, the carrier liability provisions (FFHB) & ASTAG general terms and conditions and the AVC General Transport Conditions apply, each as amended from time to time.
The place of jurisdiction is Eschweiler.