Terms and Conditions

1. Agreement to Terms

By placing a booking, the customer (merchant/owner of the goods) enters into a binding agreement with Fastlane and/or the relevant shipping line.

The customer agrees to be bound by:

• These Terms and Conditions; and
• The terms of the applicable Bill of Lading.

Fastlane acts strictly as an agent only in all services provided and reserves the right to appoint third-party contractors to perform any part of the service.

2. Role of Fastlane (Agency Clause)

Fastlane operates solely as an intermediary between the customer and third parties, including but not limited to:

• Shipping lines
• Hauliers
• Ports
• Warehouses
• Customs authorities

As such, Fastlane shall not be liable for:

• Acts or omissions of third parties
• Delays, losses, or damages caused during handling, transit, or storage by third parties

3. Booking Requirements

For vehicle shipments, the customer must provide:

• V5 document
• Make, model, chassis number, engine number
• Declared value

Electric and hybrid vehicles must be declared in advance.

The customer must provide all information promptly and maintain communication. Failure to do so may result in delays, additional costs, or missed sailings, all of which will be for the customer’s account.

All quotations:

• Are valid for 30 days
• May be amended or withdrawn without notice

4. Payment Terms

4.1 RORO Shipments

• 50% payable upfront
• Balance due within 7 days of vessel departure

4.2 Container Shipments

• Full payment required prior to vessel departure unless otherwise agreed

4.3 Late Payment

• £15 per day late fee applies
• Interest may be charged under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998

If payment is not received:

• Fastlane may, upon 28 days’ written notice, sell or dispose of the goods
• Perishable goods may be disposed of immediately upon non-payment

Proceeds will be applied to outstanding balances and costs, with any remaining balance returned to the customer.

5. Scope of Services

Fastlane provides:

• UK customs clearance
• Vessel booking and coordination
• Documentation handling

All shipments are port-to-port only unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The following are excluded:

• Destination customs clearance
• Duties, taxes, port charges
• On-carriage (unless agreed separately)

Rates may change due to external factors and such changes may be passed to the customer.

6. Liability and Risk

6.1 General Liability

All goods are shipped entirely at the customer’s risk.

Fastlane shall not be liable for:

• Loss or damage to cargo
• Loss at sea
• Theft
• Delay
• Deterioration

6.2 Cargo Outside Our Control

Fastlane accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage occurring:

• While goods are in possession of third parties
• During loading/unloading by third parties
• During sea transit
• At ports, terminals, or depots
• At destination or during onward transport

6.3 Loss at Sea / Maritime Risk

The customer acknowledges that sea freight carries inherent risks. Fastlane shall not be liable for:

• Loss of cargo overboard
• Vessel incidents
• General maritime losses

6.4 Damage Not in Our Care

Fastlane shall not be responsible for any damage to goods:

• Before collection
• During third-party handling
• After discharge at port
• During customs inspection or handling

6.5 Limitation of Responsibility

Where Fastlane is deemed legally liable, liability shall be limited to the extent permitted under applicable law and relevant transport conventions.

7. Insurance

• All shipments are carried at the customer’s sole risk
• Fastlane does not provide insurance cover

Customers are strongly advised to obtain marine cargo insurance.

Where Fastlane assists in arranging insurance:

• We act as agent only
• Claims must be made directly with insurers

Cargo inside vehicles is not insured unless explicitly declared and insured.

8. Shipping Restrictions and Responsibilities

8.1 Import Compliance

The customer is solely responsible for complying with destination country regulations.

Fastlane is not liable for:

• Failure to meet import requirements
• Associated penalties or delays

8.2 Restricted Goods

Certain goods require prior approval, including:

• Hazardous goods
• Scrap
• Tyres
• Used electrical items (must be tested and certified)

9. Vehicle Shipping Conditions

9.1 Container Vehicles

Vehicles must:

• Have batteries disconnected
• Contain minimal fuel

9.2 Financed Vehicles

Vehicles under finance cannot be shipped.
Any resulting costs will be charged to the customer.

9.3 Vehicle Contents

Items inside vehicles:

• Are shipped at owner’s risk
• Are not insured

9.4 Car Parts

Must be clean and drained of fluids.
Any contamination resulting in container damage will be charged to the customer.

10. Loading and Collection

• Standard loading time:
  • 3 hours (container)
  • 1 hour (ground loading)

Additional time will incur charges.

The customer must:

• Provide suitable access
• Provide labour and equipment (unless agreed otherwise)

Fastlane is not liable for:

• Delays in collection
• Failed collections due to access issues

All timings are estimates only.

11. Delays and Force Majeure

Fastlane shall not be liable for delays caused by:

• Weather
• Vessel changes
• Port congestion
• Strikes
• Customs inspections
• Third-party failures

All dates are estimates and not guaranteed.

12. Cancellation

• 25% fee if cancelled after work begins
• 20–25% of deposit if cancelled after cargo receipt

Customers are liable for all incurred costs.

The 14-day cooling-off period does not apply.

13. Vehicle Sourcing

Where Fastlane assists in purchasing vehicles:

• We act as agent only
• No guarantee is given regarding sellers

Fastlane is not liable for:

• Fraud
• Non-delivery
• Vehicle condition

14. General

Fastlane will perform services with reasonable skill and care but shall not be liable for:

• Indirect or consequential losses
• Events outside its control