Container Transport Service Rules
Version v1.0 · these rules apply to every transporter member receiving jobs on Freightain.
Article 1 — Definitions
- Platform: the Freightain website and related systems.
- Carrier / Member: the transport company providing container haulage from ports.
- Requester: the forwarder, exporter, importer or member that posts a transport request.
- Job: transporting a container from a port to a delivery point (or vice versa).
- Port: Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Le Havre, Fos and other served ports.
Article 2 — Membership & Document Obligations
- Valid transport licence/authorisation (national and/or international).
- Valid liability and carrier (CMR/cargo) insurance.
- Tax / VAT registration.
- Port access credentials (e.g. Antwerp Alfapass, port pass, ADR authorisation).
- Freightain may verify these documents and their validity.
Article 3 — Accuracy of Profile
- Ports served and coverage (delivery) areas/countries.
- Equipment: 20/40/45 ft, reefer/genset, ADR, etc.
- Fleet capacity and service hours — kept up to date.
Article 4 — Subscription & Access
- A valid monthly or annual subscription is required to receive jobs and submit quotes.
- Fees are charged in advance per the chosen plan.
- If the subscription lapses, access is suspended.
- The subscription does not guarantee ranking or any volume of work.
Article 5 — Submitting Quotes
- Quotes must be all-inclusive or clearly itemised (waiting, detention, surcharges).
- Hidden or later-added charges are not accepted.
- A quote is binding for its stated validity period.
- Once accepted, the agreed price and conditions bind the parties.
Article 6 — Acceptance & Performance
- Accepted jobs are performed on the agreed date and conditions.
- Port pick-up and delivery are on time; anticipated delays are reported immediately.
- No-show or unjustified last-minute cancellation lowers the reliability score and may lead to suspension.
Article 7 — Cancellation & Dead Freight
- Cancellation at least 24 hours before the scheduled date: the Carrier may not claim any fee.
- Cancellation less than 24 hours before: a minimum of 75% of the agreed price is paid to the Carrier as dead freight.
Article 8 — Equipment & Compliance
- Suitable, roadworthy equipment; ADR for dangerous goods; genset/refrigeration for reefers.
- EU driving/rest times, tachograph, and weight/dimension limits are observed.
- Cabotage rules are observed for cross-border transport.
Article 9 — Documents & Container Handover/Return
- CMR, proof of delivery (POD) and interchange/EIR documents are issued and retained.
- Container and seal integrity is checked at handover and return.
- Damage or non-conformity is reported with photos and without delay.
Article 10 — Free Time, Waiting & Detention/Demurrage
- Free time for loading and unloading is 2 (two) hours; waiting beyond is charged extra.
- Time spent collecting the container at the port/depot is not included in free time/waiting.
- Empty return the same day: no extra charge. If it carries to the next day for a reason not caused by the Carrier, the Carrier may charge extra waiting/costs.
- Port/terminal cut-off times are observed; waiting/detention charges are agreed before acceptance.
- Demurrage/detention caused by the Requester is not the Carrier's responsibility unless agreed.
Article 11 — Liability & Insurance
- Cargo liability is subject to the CMR Convention to the extent applicable.
- Required liability and cargo insurance is kept in force.
- Claims are handled in good faith and within legal time limits.
- Freightain is an intermediary, not a party to the transport contract.
Article 12 — Communication & Conduct
- Requests and messages are answered promptly; status and delays shared proactively.
- Members and staff are treated with respect; fraudulent or abusive behaviour is prohibited.
Article 13 — Payment & Fees
- The transport price is paid as agreed between Requester and Carrier.
- Unless stated otherwise, Freightain is not a party to or guarantor of payment.
- Subscription fees are paid to Freightain; non-payment suspends access.
Article 14 — Reliability Score & Evaluation
- On-time performance, completion rate, communication and feedback are scored.
- High scores increase visibility; manipulation is prohibited.
Article 15 — Sanctions, Suspension & Termination
- Warning, visibility restriction, suspension or removal may be applied for breaches.
- Invalid/forged documents, repeated no-shows or serious failure may end membership immediately.
Article 16 — Legal Compliance & Sanctions
- Customs, tax and transport law is observed; international sanctions/embargoes respected.
- Smuggling and illegal or misdeclared cargo are strictly prohibited.
Article 17 — Personal Data (GDPR)
- Applicable data-protection law (incl. GDPR) is observed.
- Data shared within a job is used only for that job and not shared unlawfully.
Article 18 — Amendments
- Freightain may update these Rules on reasonable notice; re-acceptance may be requested for material changes.
- Continued use after notice constitutes acceptance.
Article 19 — Governing Law & Disputes
- Governed by the law of the operating company's jurisdiction.
- Transport-contract disputes are resolved between Requester and Carrier under applicable transport law.
Article 20 — Member Acceptance
- By accepting, the Member confirms it has read, understood and agreed to these Rules on behalf of its company.
- Acceptance is recorded with member identity, date/time, IP and version.
This is the platform service ruleset. The full legal agreement (with company details and governing law) is provided to transporters at onboarding. © 2026 Freightain.