Terms And Conditions

Freight Rate Central, including its parent company and subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), offers a complimentary service to simplify shipping freight whether it be truckload, LTL, intermodal rail, or domestic air. Our website provides a comparison of rates, service offerings, liability limits, and transit times from various freight carriers, enabling automated transport via ground, air, or rail.

Terms & Conditions

IMPORTANT: BEFORE DOING BUSINESS WITH FREIGHT RATE CENTRAL OR ACCESSING OR USING ANY PART OF THE HTTPS://FREIGHTRATECENTRAL.COM WEBSITE (THE “WEBSITE”), PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS (THE “TERMS AND CONDITIONS”).

THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND FREIGHT RATE CENTRAL (“COMPANY”). “COMPANY” INCLUDES ANY PARENT, SUBSIDIARY, OR AFFILIATED ENTITY AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES. THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERN YOUR ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE WEBSITE, INFORMATION AVAILABLE THROUGH THE WEBSITE OR FREIGHT RATE CENTRAL, AND ANY ACTIVITIES RELATED THERETO. THIS ALSO INCLUDES THE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE PICK-UP, TRANSPORT, AND DELIVERY OF TRUCKLOAD, LESS-THAN-TRUCKLOAD (“LTL”), RAIL, AND/OR PARCEL SHIPMENTS TO AND FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS THE “SERVICE”). USING THE SERVICE INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF AND AGREEMENT TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU MAY NOT USE THE SERVICE. BY USING THE SERVICE, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, AND INTEND TO BE LEGALLY BOUND BY THEM. “YOU” OR “YOUR” REFERS TO THE INDIVIDUAL USING THE SERVICE AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE BUSINESS ENTITY ON WHOSE BEHALF YOU USE THE SERVICE.

The SERVICE is designed for use by businesses and organizations and not for consumer purposes. To the maximum extent permitted by law, YOU acknowledge and agree that consumer laws do not apply. If consumer laws do apply and cannot be lawfully excluded, nothing in these TERMS AND CONDITIONS will restrict, exclude, or modify any statutory warranties, guarantees, rights, or remedies YOU have. The Company’s liability is limited as set out in these TERMS AND CONDITIONS or as permitted by applicable law.

Freight Rate Central is licensed as a property broker by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and/or other government agencies as required by law. As a licensed broker, we arrange freight transportation. NEITHER FREIGHT RATE CENTRAL NOR THE SERVICE IS A MOTOR CARRIER OR AN AGENT FOR ANY TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER.

The carrier is responsible for the actual transportation services provided. All transit times and routes are determined by the carrier, and the Company is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this information. All transit times are estimates only and do not include the day of pickup. The Company makes no representations or warranties regarding pickups and deliveries and cannot guarantee pickup or delivery by any specific date or time.

Any applicable general rules tariffs on LTL shipments (“Tariffs”), established by the carrier used to transport the freight, will take precedence in all legal proceedings and, when in conflict, will take precedence over these TERMS AND CONDITIONS. The Tariffs are generally available through the carrier’s website.

Freight Rate Central reserves the right to alter these TERMS AND CONDITIONS from time to time. The most recent version of these TERMS and CONDITIONS is made available on the WEBSITE. These TERMS AND CONDITIONS apply to all shipments and supersede all agreements, representations, warranties, statements, promises, and understandings of the parties, written or oral, except as expressly stated herein. If a Customer enters into a separate contractual agreement with the Company, only conflicting terms in that agreement will take precedence over these TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

Freight Rate Central may suspend or terminate the SERVICE if we believe YOU are in breach of these TERMS AND CONDITIONS. We have the right, in our sole discretion, to refuse any shipment at any time.

1. Bills of Lading

All bills of lading issued by the Company through the Customer’s use of the SERVICE are NON-NEGOTIABLE and have been prepared by the Company as the Customer’s agent for this limited purpose on behalf of the Customer and shall be conclusively deemed to have been prepared by the Customer and to bind the Customer. Any unauthorized alteration of bills of lading, or unauthorized use of bills of lading, or tendering of shipments to any carrier other than that designated by the Company, or the use of any bill of lading not authorized or issued by the Company shall VOID the Company’s obligations to make any payments relating to this shipment and VOID all rate quotes.

If the Customer does not complete or provide all the documents required for transportation, or if the documents they submit are not appropriate or accurate, the Customer hereby instructs the Company, where permitted by law, to complete, correct, or replace the documents for them at the Customer’s expense. However, the Company is not obligated to do so. If a substitute bill of lading is needed to complete pickup or delivery and the Company completes that document, the terms of the substitute bill of lading will govern. The Company is not liable to the Customer or any other person for any actions taken or not taken on behalf of the Customer under this provision.

If a blind shipment is tendered, the Company does not guarantee that the information will not be revealed, disclosed, and/or become known. Neither the Company nor the carrier assumes any liability to the blind shipment requestor or any third party for the release of such information, whether or not such release resulted from the fault of the Company or the carrier.

2. Customer’s Warranties

The Customer is responsible for and warrants their compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to customs laws, hazardous materials laws, import and export laws, and governmental regulations of any state and country to, from, through, or over which the shipment may be transported.

If applicable, the Customer further warrants that it is registered and in compliance with the security plan and training requirements, and any amendments related thereto, related to hazardous materials, including but not limited to, 49 C.F.R. #172.700-704 and 49 C.F.R. #172.800-804. The Customer is obligated to inform the Company at the time of shipment tendering if any shipments contain hazardous materials. The Customer further warrants that it will immediately advise the Company if its registration and/or compliance with these regulations expires or is terminated. The Customer agrees to furnish such information and documentation as necessary to establish its compliance with such laws, rules, and regulations.

The Company does not accept and the Customer agrees not to tender any shipment containing (i) certain classifications of hazardous materials (including but not limited to Class 1, Class 2.3, Class 4.3, Poisonous/Toxic Inhalation Hazards in Class 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8, Class 6.2, Class 7, and regulated and medical waste), (ii) deeds, stock certificates, securities, or any similar items, (iii) financial and/or personal identification documentation in paper form or on hard drives and servers (including but not limited to business records and passports), (iv) money or currency of any denomination, (v) precious metals (including but not limited to gold, silver or platinum), (vi) cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products, (vii) fireworks, firearms and/or ammunition, (viii) artwork, antiques, artifacts, or one-of-a-kind items, (ix) live animals, fish, or insects, (x) human and animal remains, (xi) etiological agents, (xii) blood or plasma, (xiii) carbon black, activated carbon, and lamp black, (xiv) cannabis/marijuana, hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), or any products containing these items, and/or (xv) vaping devices, accessories, and products.

The Customer acknowledges and agrees that rail carriers provide transportation services subject to provisions, restrictions, and limitations in their rail circulars. The rail circulars address, among other matters, standards for loading, blocking and bracing, prohibitions and restrictions on certain types of commodities, limitations of liability, procedures and limitations on cargo claims, and requirements for proper descriptions of commodities.

The Company assumes no liability to the Customer or any other person for any loss or expense due to the Customer’s failure to comply with the provisions of this section. The Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold the Company harmless for any and all loss, liability, claim, damages, or suit arising from the Customer’s noncompliance with the restrictions and/or requirements of this section.

3. Payment

All charges are payable in US Dollars via credit card and are due upon booking unless the Customer has been approved for credit terms. When a credit card is added to YOUR account, a secure token is created. This token will be saved unless YOU opt out. If YOU opt out, the token will be stored for 90 days from the date opted out in case of any refunds or adjustments.

If credit terms are offered, the Customer is subject to credit approval and the Company’s continued approval. The Company may change credit terms and may establish, revise, and/or revoke a credit limit at any time when, in the Company’s opinion, the Customer’s financial condition, previous payment record, and/or the nature of the Company’s relationship with the Customer so warrants. Upon credit approval, all charges are payable in US Dollars and are due upon receipt or upon agreed payment terms.

The Company reserves the right to amend or adjust the original quoted and/or paid amount if the original quoted and/or paid amount was based upon incorrect information received at the time of the original quote or booking or if additional services by the carrier were required to accomplish pickup or delivery. Examples include, but are not limited to, actual weight, type of goods, class of goods, dimensions, and hazardous material.

If the Company is unable to obtain payment or payment arrangements for freight charges on past-due invoices, the Company reserves the right to request prepayment for future shipments until the account is current.

In consideration of the Company’s extending credit to the Customer and for other valuable consideration, the Customer agrees to be responsible for the payment of all invoices within the agreed payment terms. Any sum due to the Company for services and not paid by the due date will be subject to a late payment charge of 1 ½% of the invoice amount for each month or part of a month that payment is overdue, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs if the account is placed with an attorney for collection. If the applicable law prohibits or invalidates the charging of interest, then interest shall be at the maximum lawful rate permitted under applicable law.

The Company has a general lien on all shipments in its possession to secure payment of amounts due to it, including without limitation freight, demurrage, and storage charges.

4. Freight Cargo Claims

All claims for loss or damage shall be submitted in writing to the carrier within nine (9) months after delivery of the shipment, except as otherwise provided in the governing general rules tariff, as it may be revised from time to time. If no delivery is made, claims must be filed within nine (9) months after the date of the bill of lading or waybill. All suits or proceedings for loss, damage, or delay shall be commenced against the carrier no later than two (2) years and one (1) day from the day when written notice is given by the carrier to the claimant that the carrier has disallowed the claim or any part or parts of the claim.

When the Company arranges transportation on behalf of the Customer, the Company shall assist the Customer with claims for loss or damage to cargo in its possession and/or control in accordance with the rules and regulations of the carrier. It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that a carrier inspection is completed and that exceptions for damages or shortages are noted on the bill of lading or delivery receipt prior to signing.

The Company’s assistance in filing a claim does not imply liability for claims. The Company has no liability for cargo loss, damage, or delay. The Customer must file claims for loss, damage, or delay directly with the carrier, and the carrier’s claims procedures and limitations apply.

Freight Rate Central is not liable for concealed or unreported damage. All shipments with concealed or unreported damage must be made available to the carrier for inspection. Failure to do so may void the claim. Failure to file a timely claim in accordance with these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, the carrier’s tariff, and/or applicable statutes and regulations may result in the claim being time-barred and/or denied. The Company is not responsible for advising the Customer of any deadline or statute of limitations for filing claims.

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5. Forum Selection & Choice of Law

Any claim or litigation related to these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, any shipment scheduled or tendered through the Company’s WEBSITE OR SERVICE, or any disputes between the Company and the Customer, shipper, and/or consignee shall be filed in the jurisdiction of the State or Federal Courts within Sarasota County, Florida, and shall be governed by Florida law. Customer irrevocably consents and submits to the personal jurisdiction of these courts for all such purposes.

6. Freight Rates

LTL rates are based on the freight class as determined by the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) and the actual description, size, and weight of the shipment. Additional fees may apply for services or reasons including, but not limited to, delivery appointments, residential or limited access locations, dimensional changes, reweighs and reclassifications, lift gate usage, attempted pickup, and/or inside delivery.

Truckload and rail rates are based on dock door pickup/dock door delivery, shipper load/consignee unload, mileage, weight, and commodity. Additional fees may apply for services or reasons including, but not limited to, tractor detention, trailer detention, and driver assistance. Once the Company contracts with a carrier to move a truckload shipment, the scheduled pickup and delivery must be tendered to the carrier as requested on the agreed date, or an equipment not used (EON) fee will be assessed to the Customer.

Parcel rates are based on the information provided at the time of quoting and are subject to change according to actual shipment characteristics and services provided.

7. LTL Guaranteed Services

LTL guaranteed services include transit times as noted by the carrier. Guaranteed service transit times do not include holidays and/or no service days as defined by the individual carrier. Shipments not delivered within the specified date/time on the bill of lading may not be considered a service failure if the delay is not the carrier’s fault. Reasons could include acts of God, weather, violence, riots, military action, reasonable apprehension of danger, acts or omissions by the shipper, consignee, owner of goods or public authority, customs clearance delays, road closures, or shipments not accepted by the consignee. This service does not guarantee pickup. The pickup day is not included in the LTL transit time calculation. The Customer is liable for all charges related to the shipment. In the event the carrier fails to comply with the Guaranteed service, the Customer has ten (10) business days from the actual delivery date to file a claim in writing with the Company. If the Company does not receive a claim within this period, the service provided by the LTL carrier will be deemed to have met all Guaranteed service standards, and the claim will be invalid. If a valid claim is approved by the carrier, the Company will credit the Customer’s account for freight charges according to the carrier’s Guaranteed refund policy. Carrier Guaranteed service policies are subject to change without notice. The carrier or Company is not liable, nor will any account be credited, if the Customer does not use the Company’s bill of lading.

8. Electronic Order Status Notifications; SMS-text

If offered by the Company, the Customer may choose to receive email or SMS-text notifications related to the Customer’s shipment order status. The Customer can receive updates such as carrier en route notifications, shipment delivery confirmations, or shipment delivery delays. The Customer’s choice of electronic notification will apply to all their orders.

The Company does not charge for content; however, downloadable content may incur charges from the Customer’s wireless provider. Standard messaging rates from the Customer’s wireless provider will apply to all correspondence. The Customer should contact their wireless provider for information about their messaging plan. The Customer’s wireless provider may impose limitations on their account outside the Company’s control. All charges for wireless data and SMS-text services are billed by and payable to the Customer’s wireless provider.

By subscribing to email or SMS-text notifications, the Customer consents to receiving messages as required to provide updated information about the Customer’s shipment order status using automated technology. The Customer can unsubscribe at any time by clicking “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of each email or responding STOP to SMS-texts. Consent to receive messages is not required to receive services from the Company.

The Customer represents that they are the owner or authorized user of the wireless device identified for email or SMS-text notifications and that they are authorized to approve the applicable charges.

The Company is not liable for delays or failures in the Customer’s receipt of messages, as delivery is subject to transmission from the Customer’s network operator and processing by their wireless provider. All notifications are provided on an AS IS, AS AVAILABLE basis.

Data obtained from the Customer in connection with email and SMS-text messages may include the Customer’s cell phone number, wireless provider’s name, and the date, time, and content of the messages, along with other information the Customer provides. The Company may use this information to contact the Customer, provide requested services, and improve service offerings. The Customer’s wireless provider and other service providers may also collect data about the Customer’s usage, governed by their own policies. The Company will only use information provided to transmit messages or as otherwise described. The Company reserves the right to disclose any information necessary to satisfy laws, regulations, or governmental requests, to avoid liability, or to protect the Company’s rights or property. The Customer agrees to provide accurate, complete, and true information. The Company will comply with its Global Privacy Notice available on the WEBSITE regarding the processing and use of personal information.

The order status notification service is available in the United States and Canada.

The Customer’s receipt of notifications is subject to termination if their wireless service lapses. The Company may discontinue notifications at any time.

Customers with questions about notifications may contact the Company using the preferred contact method available on the WEBSITE.

9. Eligibility & Requirements

To be eligible to use the SERVICE, YOU must meet the following criteria and represent and warrant that YOU: (1) are 18 years of age or older; (2) are not currently restricted from the SERVICE, or otherwise prohibited from having an account; (3) have full power and authority to agree to these TERMS AND CONDITIONS without violating any other agreement; (4) will not violate any rights of Freight Rate Central, including intellectual property rights; (5) agree to provide all necessary equipment, software, and internet access at YOUR cost; and (6) agree not to reproduce, copy, sell, resell, or exploit any portion of the WEBSITE.

10. Account Security

YOU agree that YOU are responsible for maintaining and protecting the security of YOUR account and password. YOU further agree that Freight Rate Central is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from YOUR failure to comply with this security obligation. YOU will refrain from charging anyone for access to any portion of the WEBSITE or any information therein. YOU are fully responsible for anything that happens through YOUR account.

11. Misuse of the WEBSITE

YOU agree to use the WEBSITE only for its intended purpose. YOU agree not to modify, adapt, reverse engineer, create derivative works from, or hack the WEBSITE or falsely imply association with the WEBSITE or Freight Rate Central. YOU agree not to use the WEBSITE for illegal or unauthorized purposes. YOU may not scrape, harvest, or extract data from the WEBSITE or access the WEBSITE using bots or similar methods without Freight Rate Central’s prior written authorization. YOU agree not to transmit any destructive code or interfere with the WEBSITE. Violation of this paragraph may result in civil and/or criminal penalties, fines, and liability for attorney fees.

12. Intellectual Property

The Company reserves all rights including title, ownership, intellectual property rights, and all other interests in Freight Rate Central or covered by all patents owned by Freight Rate Central, and all related items, including copies of the WEBSITE. All content on the WEBSITE, including trademarks, logos, designs, text, graphics, sounds, images, software, source code, and other materials, is the intellectual property of Freight Rate Central and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission.

13. Third-Party Sites

The WEBSITE may contain links to other websites for user convenience. These sites are operated or maintained by third parties over which Freight Rate Central exercises no control and disclaims responsibility for the content, accuracy, completeness, and quality of products or services on these third-party sites.

14. Disclaimer of Warranties

YOUR use of the SERVICE is at YOUR sole risk. The SERVICE, information on or available through the SERVICE, and any website offered in connection with the SERVICE are provided “as is,” “as available,” and with all inaccuracies. Freight Rate Central disclaims all warranties and representations, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, content, completeness, quality, systems integration, legality, reliability, operability, availability, title, non-infringement, or arising from a course of dealing, usage, or trade practice. Freight Rate Central does not represent or warrant that the SERVICE will meet YOUR requirements or that the WEBSITE will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, error-free, or free of viruses. THE OPERATION OF THE WEBSITE MAY BE INTERRUPTED DUE TO MAINTENANCE, UPDATES, OR SYSTEM OR NETWORK FAILURES. FREIGHT RATE CENTRAL DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY INTERRUPTION OR ERRORS IN FUNCTIONING. FREIGHT RATE CENTRAL DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR MALFUNCTIONING, INACCESSIBILITY, OR POOR USE CONDITIONS OF THE WEBSITE DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT, INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER DISTURBANCES, SATURATION OF THE INTERNET NETWORK, AND OTHER REASONS. YOU AGREE THAT FREIGHT RATE CENTRAL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHARGES INCURRED FOR LOSSES, DAMAGES, FINES, CLAIMS, THEFT, LEGAL EXPENSES, OR PENALTIES RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

15. Limitation of Liability

Freight Rate Central’s sole responsibility is to provide the SERVICE, subject to these TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Freight Rate Central’s liability for direct damages is limited to the amount paid by the Customer for the specific shipment. In no event is Freight Rate Central liable for any lost profits or business opportunity, punitive damages, special, consequential, indirect, incidental, or other types of damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the WEBSITE, including without limitation damages resulting from lost data, loss of revenue, lost profits, or any interruptions or delays in SERVICE. This limitation of liability applies regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise, and even if Freight Rate Central is advised of the possibility of such damages. YOU agree to indemnify, defend, and hold Freight Rate Central harmless from any claims, damages, or costs arising out of YOUR use of the SERVICE, including attorney fees.

16. Indemnification

YOU agree to indemnify and hold Freight Rate Central and its affiliates, officers, directors, agents, employees, and successors harmless from any claims, losses, damages, expenses, fines, penalties, or other liabilities, including attorney fees, arising from or relating to YOUR use of the SERVICE, violation of these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, or violation of any rights of another person or entity.

17. Notice

Any notice required or permitted to be given under these TERMS AND CONDITIONS shall be in writing and delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the other party at their respective address set forth herein. Such notice shall be deemed given when received.

18. Severability

If any provision of these TERMS AND CONDITIONS is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall be enforced.

19. Waiver

The failure of Freight Rate Central to enforce any right or provision in these TERMS AND CONDITIONS shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision unless acknowledged and agreed to by Freight Rate Central in writing.

20. Entire Agreement

These TERMS AND CONDITIONS, together with any applicable policies and agreements referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between YOU and Freight Rate Central with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

Governing Law and Venue

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflicts of law principles. You hereby submit to and agree that the sole jurisdiction and venue for any actions that may arise under or in relation to the subject matter hereof shall be the courts located in the State of Florida.