Services

Terms & Conditions - B2B

This Commercial Transportation Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Safeeds Auto Transport Inc. ("Safeeds," "Broker," or "Company") and the business entity utilizing Safeeds' services ("Client," "Dealer," or "Corporate Account"). This Agreement governs all vehicle transportation services arranged by Safeeds for commercial customers.

By submitting transportation orders, opening a commercial account, approving rate confirmations, or authorizing shipments, Client agrees to be legally bound by this Agreement.

Broker Authority and Scope of Services

Safeeds Auto Transport Inc. is a federally licensed property broker authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Safeeds does not operate as a motor carrier and does not physically transport vehicles. All transportation services are performed by independent, third-party motor carriers who maintain their own operating authority and insurance coverage.

Safeeds' responsibility is limited to arranging transportation by matching Client shipments with licensed carriers. Safeeds does not assume responsibility for the physical handling of vehicles, loading or unloading operations, driver conduct, regulatory compliance of carriers, or cargo claims.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as creating:

A partnership between Safeeds and Client
A joint venture
An employer–employee relationship
An agency relationship between Safeeds and any carrier

Carriers remain independent contractors at all times.

Commercial Eligibility and Representations

This Agreement applies exclusively to commercial entities. By entering into this Agreement, Client represents and warrants that:

It is a legally formed business entity in good standing.
It has authority to tender vehicles for transport.
It has lawful possession or authorization to release vehicles.
It is not acting as an undisclosed consumer.

If Client is tendering vehicles from auctions, repossession yards, ports, or storage facilities, Client confirms that all release documentation and gate requirements have been satisfied prior to dispatch.

Safeeds shall not be responsible for:

Storage fees due to incomplete auction release
Gate fees or re-dispatch fees
Delays caused by missing documentation
Title or lien disputes preventing pickup

Rate Structure and Market Conditions

Commercial transportation rates are based on prevailing freight market conditions. Vehicle transport pricing fluctuates due to fuel costs, route demand, carrier availability, seasonal volume shifts, and regulatory changes.

Unless governed by a separately executed Master Rate Addendum, all quotes provided by Safeeds are non-binding estimates until a carrier formally accepts the shipment.

Rates may be adjusted prior to carrier assignment if:

Vehicle condition differs from disclosure
Vehicle is inoperable but quoted as operable
Oversized tires, lift kits, or modifications are present
Access limitations require specialized equipment
Expedited service is requested
Market carrier rates increase significantly

Safeeds will notify Client of any rate adjustment prior to confirming dispatch.

Credit Terms and Payment Obligation

Payment terms for commercial accounts shall be established in writing. Approved accounts may qualify for:

Net 7
Net 15
Net 30

Credit approval is subject to review and may be revoked at Safeeds' discretion.

Unless otherwise agreed:

Safeeds invoices broker service fees directly to Client.
Carrier transport fees may be invoiced or collected upon delivery (COD), depending on account structure.

Invoices not paid within agreed terms shall accrue interest at 1.5% per month, or the maximum rate permitted under Ohio law.

Safeeds reserves the right to:

Suspend future shipments
Revoke credit privileges
Require advance payment
Offset outstanding balances

Client agrees to pay all reasonable costs of collection, including attorney's fees and court expenses.

Vehicle Condition and Disclosure Obligations

Client is responsible for accurately describing each vehicle at the time of order submission. This includes disclosing:

Inoperable condition
Mechanical defects affecting loading
Excessive damage
Aftermarket modifications
Oversized dimensions

Vehicles must be in condition suitable for commercial transport unless declared otherwise.

Inoperable vehicles require advance disclosure because they may require winch service or specialized equipment. Failure to disclose may result in additional fees, dispatch cancellation, carrier refusal, or dry-run charges.

Client remains responsible for any costs caused by inaccurate vehicle descriptions.

Pickup and Delivery Procedures

Client must ensure vehicles are accessible to standard commercial car carriers. If pickup or delivery locations cannot accommodate transport equipment safely, Client must arrange alternate nearby meeting points.

At pickup, the carrier will conduct a visual inspection and document vehicle condition on the Bill of Lading ("BOL"). The BOL serves as the official transport document and condition report.

At delivery, Client or its authorized representative must inspect the vehicle prior to signing the BOL. Any damage must be clearly noted at delivery.

Failure to document damage at delivery may result in claim denial.

Insurance and Allocation of Risk

All carriers engaged by Safeeds are required to maintain cargo insurance coverage consistent with federal regulations. However, coverage limits vary and may not equal full vehicle retail, auction, or replacement value.

Safeeds does not provide supplemental cargo insurance unless expressly agreed in writing.

Client acknowledges that:

Carrier policies contain exclusions and deductibles
Mechanical failures are not covered
Pre-existing damage is not covered
Personal property inside vehicles is not insured

Risk of loss transfers pursuant to the carrier's Bill of Lading and applicable federal transportation law.

Claims Process

In the event of damage during transport, Client must:

Note the damage on the delivery Bill of Lading at time of delivery.
Obtain driver signature confirming notation.
Take dated photographic evidence immediately.
Submit claim directly to the motor carrier within the timeframe required by the carrier's insurer.

Safeeds may assist in facilitating communication but does not assume responsibility for claims investigation or settlement.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Safeeds' total liability for any claim arising under this Agreement shall not exceed the broker fees paid for the specific shipment giving rise to the claim.

Safeeds shall not be liable for:

Loss of business profits
Loss of resale margin
Auction penalties
Storage charges
Rental replacement costs
Market depreciation
Consequential, incidental, or punitive damages

This limitation applies regardless of legal theory, including negligence.

Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Safeeds from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from:

Inaccurate vehicle information
Failure to disclose material vehicle conditions
Title disputes or ownership challenges
Regulatory violations caused by Client
Unauthorized release of vehicles
Improper documentation

This indemnification obligation survives termination of the Agreement.

Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of proprietary information, including:

Pricing structures
Volume discounts
Customer data
Internal business processes

This obligation survives termination of the Agreement.

Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.

Before initiating legal proceedings, the parties agree to attempt good-faith negotiation.

Any legal action must be filed exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Ohio.

Any claim must be filed within one (1) year from the date of shipment completion.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delays caused by events beyond reasonable control, including:

Severe weather
Natural disasters
Government action
Port congestion
Labor strikes
Carrier equipment failure
Road closures

Timeframes provided are estimates and not guaranteed delivery commitments.

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Safeeds and Client regarding commercial transportation services and supersedes all prior discussions or representations.

Service Agreement

Before finalizing your shipment, you must review and agree to Safeeds Auto Transport Inc.'s official Service Agreement, which outlines the detailed contractual terms governing your specific order.

The Service Agreement includes: