Terms and Conditions of Service
Effective Date: 10.02.2024
Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all services provided by Orbit Cargo Services Ltd (“Orbit Cargo
Services”, “Orbit”, “we”, “us” or “our”) to any customer (“Customer”, “you”) requesting freight forwarding,
logistics, transport arrangement, customs clearance, warehousing or related services.
Orbit Cargo Services operates as a freight forwarder, logistics provider and transport intermediary, arranging the
movement of goods through approved third-party carriers, agents, subcontractors and service providers.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, Orbit Cargo Services does not act as the carrier of goods and does
not assume responsibility for the performance, delays, losses or obligations of third-party transport providers.
By placing an order, accepting a quotation, providing shipping instructions, or otherwise using our services, you
confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms.
1. Definitions
For the purpose of these Terms:
- “Customer” means the person, company or organisation requesting services from Orbit Cargo Services.
- “Goods” means any cargo, products, materials, documents or items handled, transported, stored or
arranged by Orbit Cargo Services. - “Services” means freight forwarding, transport arrangement, customs clearance, warehousing, logistics
management and any related services provided by Orbit Cargo Services. - “Third-Party Carrier” means any airline, shipping line, courier company, haulier, warehouse operator,
logistics provider or other transport service provider used by Orbit Cargo Services. - “Shipment” means any goods accepted for transportation, storage or handling.
2. Scope of Services
Orbit Cargo Services provides freight forwarding and logistics solutions, including:
- International air freight
- Sea freight (FCL and LCL)
- Road freight
- Express and courier services
- Import and export customs clearance
- Warehousing and distribution
- Cargo consolidation
- Supply chain management
- Shipment tracking and documentation support
To perform these Services, Orbit Cargo Services may appoint Third-Party Carriers, agents, subcontractors and
warehouse operators to perform all or part of the Services on its behalf. Such providers may operate under their own terms and conditions, tariffs, liability limits and claims procedures, which may apply to the relevant part of
the Shipment.
3. Quotations and Acceptance
Quotations provided by Orbit Cargo Services are based on information supplied by the Customer and remain valid
for the period stated in the quotation.
Prices may be adjusted where circumstances change, including:
- Incorrect or incomplete shipment information
- Changes in weight, dimensions or cargo details
- Fuel surcharge changes
- Currency fluctuations
- Carrier price increases
- Customs charges and government fees
- Port, terminal or handling charges
A booking confirmation, purchase order, written instruction, or acceptance of Services constitutes acceptance of
these Terms.
4. Customer Responsibilities
The Customer is responsible for providing accurate, complete and timely information relating to the Shipment.
The Customer must:
- Provide correct descriptions of goods
- Provide accurate weights and dimensions
- Supply all required shipping and customs documentation
- Ensure goods are correctly packaged and labelled
- Obtain any required licences, permits or approvals
- Comply with all applicable import, export and transport regulations
Orbit Cargo Services shall not be responsible for delays, penalties, additional charges or losses resulting from
inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information supplied by the Customer.
5. Carrier Liability and Claims Assistance
Orbit Cargo Services operates as a freight forwarder, logistics provider and transport intermediary. Unless
expressly agreed otherwise in writing, Orbit Cargo Services does not act as the carrier of goods and does not
independently assume responsibility for the carriage, custody or condition of goods while they are handled by a
Third-Party Carrier.
Where goods are transported by a Third-Party Carrier, any loss, damage, delay, shortage, misdelivery or failure to
deliver occurring while goods are within that carrier’s custody shall be handled in accordance with the applicable
carrier’s terms and conditions, liability limits and claims procedures.
Orbit Cargo Services will:
- Provide reasonable assistance to Customers in preparing and submitting claims to the relevant carrier where
appropriate. - Assist with communication between the Customer and the carrier where required.
- Provide available shipment documentation and supporting information to assist with the claims process.
Orbit Cargo Services does not:
- Guarantee acceptance, settlement or payment of any claim submitted to a Third-Party Carrier.
- Accept independent liability for loss or damage occurring while goods are under the custody, control or
responsibility of a Third-Party Carrier. - Provide compensation beyond the amount accepted and paid by the responsible carrier under its applicable
terms, conditions, tariffs, liability limits or international transport conventions, unless otherwise agreed in
writing by Orbit Cargo Services.
6. Insurance of Goods
Unless specifically requested and agreed in writing, cargo insurance is not included within Orbit Cargo Services’
charges.
Customers are responsible for:
- Assessing their own insurance requirements.
- Ensuring goods are adequately insured against loss, damage, theft or other risks where appropriate.
- Arranging additional insurance cover where standard carrier liability limits are considered insufficient.
Orbit Cargo Services may assist Customers in arranging cargo insurance through approved insurance providers
upon request. Any insurance policy arranged will be subject to the insurer’s own terms, conditions, exclusions and
limitations.
7. Uninsured and Undeclared Goods
Where a Customer does not declare the value of goods or does not purchase additional insurance cover:
- Compensation may be limited to the standard liability offered by the carrier or service provider used.
- Orbit Cargo Services will not be responsible for any claimed value, replacement cost, market value or
consequential loss that was not declared before shipment. - The Customer remains responsible for any difference between the actual value of goods and the
compensation available under the carrier’s applicable liability terms. - Orbit Cargo Services shall not be liable for any uninsured losses, underinsured amounts, or values exceeding
the limits accepted by the responsible carrier.
8. Dangerous Goods and Restricted Items
Customers must notify Orbit Cargo Services before shipment of any dangerous, hazardous, restricted or
controlled goods. Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with:
- International transport regulations
- Safety requirements
- Customs regulations
- Carrier restrictions
- Import and export controls
Orbit Cargo Services reserves the right to refuse any shipment that presents safety, legal or regulatory concerns.
9. Customs Clearance
Where Orbit Cargo Services provides customs clearance services, we act based on information and documents
provided by the Customer. The Customer remains responsible for accurate customs declarations, including:
- Commodity classification
- Customs values
- Duties and taxes
- Licences and permits
- Regulatory compliance
Orbit Cargo Services is not responsible for delays, inspections, penalties, additional charges or decisions made by
customs authorities.
10. Delivery Times and Transport Schedules
Any delivery dates, transit times or estimated arrival dates provided by Orbit Cargo Services are estimates only.
Orbit Cargo Services does not guarantee:
- Exact delivery dates
- Carrier schedules
- Customs clearance times
- Availability of transport capacity
Delays caused by circumstances outside Orbit Cargo Services’ reasonable control shall not constitute a breach of
these Terms.
11. Force Majeure
Orbit Cargo Services shall not be responsible for delays, failures or interruptions caused by circumstances outside
its reasonable control, including:
- Natural disasters or severe weather
- Port congestion
- Strikes or industrial action
- War or civil unrest
- Government restrictions or customs intervention
- Carrier failures or equipment shortages
- Pandemic-related disruption
12. Limitation of Liability
Orbit Cargo Services’ liability shall be limited to losses directly caused by its proven negligence, wilful misconduct
or breach of these Terms. Liability for goods within the custody of a Third-Party Carrier is addressed in Section 5
(Carrier Liability and Claims Assistance).
Orbit Cargo Services shall not be liable for:
- Customs decisions or government actions
- Loss of profit or loss of business opportunities Indirect or consequential losses
- Market losses or changes in value
Where mandatory international conventions apply, liability shall be governed by those applicable rules, including: - The CMR Convention for international road transport
- The Hague-Visby Rules for sea transport
- The Montreal Convention for international air transport
13. Packaging and Handling
The Customer guarantees that goods are properly packaged, securely labelled and suitable for transportation.
Orbit Cargo Services shall not be responsible for damage caused by insufficient, unsuitable or defective packaging.
14. Storage
Where storage services are provided:
- Storage charges may apply.
- Goods may be transferred between storage facilities where necessary.
- Third-party warehouse terms may apply.
- Customers must collect goods within agreed timeframes.
15. Payment Terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- Invoices must be paid within the agreed payment period.
- Charges remain payable regardless of delays outside Orbit Cargo Services’ control.
- Overdue payments may result in interest charges and recovery costs.
- Orbit Cargo Services may suspend Services where payment obligations are not met.
16. Customer Indemnity
The Customer agrees to indemnify Orbit Cargo Services against losses, claims, penalties, costs or expenses arising
from:
- Incorrect information supplied by the Customer
- Incorrect customs declarations
- Improper packaging
- Restricted or prohibited goods
- Breach of regulations
- Failure to comply with these Terms
17. Claims Procedure
Any claims must:
- Be submitted within the applicable legal timeframe.
- Include supporting evidence such as invoices, photographs and transport documentation.
Failure to submit claims within required time limits may affect the Customer’s ability to recover compensation.
18. Confidentiality
Orbit Cargo Services will treat Customer information and commercial details as confidential except where
disclosure is required for transport arrangements, customs requirements, legal obligations or regulatory
compliance.
19. Data Protection
Orbit Cargo Services processes personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation,
including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
20. Industry Conditions
Where applicable, Services provided by Orbit Cargo Services may also be subject to recognised industry
conditions, including:
- British International Freight Association (BIFA) Standard Trading Conditions
- Carrier terms of carriage
- International transport conventions
- Warehouse operator conditions
21. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any
disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Company Details
Orbit Cargo Services Ltd
Registered Office: Orbit Cargo Services Ltd, 7 Argonaut Park, Galleymead Road, Colnbrook, Slough SL3 0EN, UK
Company Registration Number: 08422960
Email: operations@orbitcargoservices.com
Website: www.orbitcargoservices.com
