Terms and Conditions

Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing to serve your transport needs with the utmost professionalism and integrity.

Fast Freight Forward proudly affiliates with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), reflecting our unwavering commitment to upholding industry standards and delivering reliable and efficient transportation services. Our association with the RHA underscores our dedication to compliance, professionalism, and integrity in all facets of our operations.

Payment Terms

Fast Freight Forward operates on a 30-days end of the month invoice payment term. Payment must be received as cleared funds no later than due date. Payment terms may be adjusted if mutually agreed upon in writing in advance.

Should an account remain unpaid 7 days after the due date, you will receive a notification letter advising you of the breach of terms. If no payment is received within a further 7 days, a Letter Before Action will be issued by our collection credit control team, incurring the following charges:

• £50 for invoices up to £999
• £90 for invoices between £1,000 and £9,999
• £100 for invoices of over £9,999

Additionally, overdue invoices will attract a further charge in line with the Bank of England base rate and costs associated with recovering overdue invoices, including fees for third-party credit companies or small claims court, will be borne by the customer.

If an account remains unpaid after the specified period, we reserve the right to place the account on hold, thus suspending any further services until the outstanding amounts are settled. This measure ensures that our operations remain financially viable and that we can continue to provide excellent service to all our clients.

It is imperative to note that any queries or disputes regarding an invoice must be raised within 7 days of the invoice date. This prompt communication allows us to address and resolve any issues swiftly, maintaining the integrity of our billing processes and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Bookings

All bookings must be submitted to Fast Freight Forward either via telephone or email. We reserve the right to accept or reject any booking at our discretion. This measure ensures that we can manage our resources effectively and provide the highest level of service to our clients.

The service agreement terminates upon delivery when the consignment reaches the predetermined destination. This termination point is crucial as it marks the completion of our responsibility for the consignment, ensuring clarity in our service provision.

We strive to accommodate all booking requests; however, during peak periods or unforeseen circumstances, there may be instances where we are unable to accept additional bookings. In such cases, we will communicate promptly with the customer to explore alternative arrangements or reschedule the transport as necessary.

Loading and Unloading

The carrier is not obligated to provide any type of power, plant, or labour for loading or unloading the consignment beyond what is carried by the vehicle. Any special appliances required for loading and unloading that are not included with the vehicle must be arranged by the customer. If the driver requires any handball during the loading or unloading, the additional charge will be applied based on the load and time required.

Charges range from £15 to £45 per hour depending on the vehicle type.

For any additional inquiries regarding our charges policies or assistance with your freight needs, we recommend reaching out to our operations team. They are equipped to handle negotiations and ensure the highest level of service and satisfaction for our clients.

It is essential for customers to ensure that the necessary equipment and personnel are available for the efficient loading and unloading of consignments. Any delays or complications arising from the lack of appropriate resources may result in additional charges or liability for any damages incurred.

If the consignment sustains damage during the loading or unloading process by the carrier without special appliances, which the customer was responsible for arranging, the carrier will not be held liable. This provision ensures that the responsibilities of both parties are clearly defined, minimising the risk of disputes.

Dangerous Goods

It is the customer’s responsibility to disclose whether the consignment includes any dangerous goods. Dangerous goods must be categorised, packed, and labelled with identifiable indicators, such as Transport Emergency Cards, in accordance with statutory regulations.

The proper declaration and handling of dangerous goods are critical to ensuring the safety of all parties involved in the transport process. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe legal consequences and jeopardise the safety of our personnel and equipment.

We reserve the right to refuse the transport of any goods that are not properly declared or that pose a significant risk to safety. In such cases, we will work with the customer to explore alternative arrangements or provide guidance on compliance with the relevant regulations.

Delivery

The customer must ensure that the consignment is ready for transport in a safe and secure condition. The carrier will take all reasonable efforts to safeguard the consignment and deliver it to the agreed destination.

Our commitment to ensuring the safe and timely delivery of consignments is paramount. We employ rigorous procedures and state-of-the-art technology to monitor and manage the transport process, providing our customers with peace of mind.

However, it is important for customers to recognise that certain factors, such as adverse weather conditions, traffic delays, or unforeseen mechanical issues, may impact delivery times. In such instances, we will communicate promptly with the customer to provide updates and, if necessary, adjust delivery schedules.

Proof of Delivery

The carrier will be responsible for obtaining a signature on the document prepared by the sender, which will be considered as proof of delivery (POD). This proof of delivery serves as a critical record, verifying that the consignment has been successfully delivered to the intended recipient.

Customers are encouraged to review the proof of delivery promptly upon receipt to ensure that all details are accurate. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to facilitate swift resolution and maintain the integrity of our delivery records.

Transit

The transit period commences from the loading point of the consignment and concludes at the agreed delivery address unless otherwise arranged. This clearly defined transit period ensures that both parties have a mutual understanding of the timeframe within which the consignment will be transported.

If unsafe or inadequate access delays the unloading process or the consignment cannot be delivered, the transit will expire one clear day from the initial communication. In such cases, it is the customer’s responsibility to address any access issues promptly to facilitate the successful completion of the delivery.

Our commitment to transparency and accountability in the transit process underscores our dedication to providing reliable and efficient transport services. We employ advanced tracking technology to monitor consignments in real-time, providing customers with up-to-date information on the status of their deliveries.

Liabilities

Fast Freight Forward is not liable for any loss or damage to the consignment unless it is directly or indirectly caused by the negligence, omission, or wrongdoing of our carrier, its employees, contractors, or sub-contractors. This provision ensures that liability is fairly attributed and that both parties have a clear understanding of their responsibilities.

Should the loss or damage be incurred by the carrier, its employees, contractors, or sub-contractors, Fast Freight Forward will be liable for the physical loss or damages of the consignment in accordance with standard RHA terms and conditions, up to and including the value of £1,300 per tonne.

In the event of a claim for loss or damage, customers are required to provide all necessary documentation and evidence to support their claim. This documentation may include photographs, proof of value, and detailed descriptions of the damage or loss. Prompt and accurate reporting of such incidents is essential to facilitate a thorough investigation and resolution.

Fraud and Criminal Activity

Fast Freight Forward will not be liable for the consignment if there has been any fraud on the part of the customer, unless it is directly or indirectly contributed by the carrier, employees of the carrier, or any agent of the carrier. The carrier retains the right and legal responsibility to notify the authorities if any illegal consignment is transported by the customer.

Our commitment to ethical business practices and compliance with legal regulations is unwavering. We work diligently to prevent and detect any fraudulent or illegal activity, safeguarding the interests of our customers and the integrity of our operations.

Customers are required to provide accurate and truthful information regarding their consignments and to adhere to all relevant legal requirements. Any attempt to circumvent these regulations will be met with appropriate legal action and may result in the termination of our services.

Charges

The carrier reserves the right to impose an additional charge for every 15 minutes of loading or unloading if it is not completed within the agreed time. This measure ensures that our resources are utilised efficiently and that any delays are adequately compensated.

Please find the waiting guidelines charge list below:

Customers are encouraged to ensure that all necessary preparations are made in advance to facilitate the smooth loading and unloading of consignments. This includes having the appropriate personnel and equipment on hand to complete the process within the allocated time.

In the event of delays or complications, our team will work closely with the customer to resolve any issues promptly and minimise any additional charges. Clear communication and collaboration are essential to ensuring a smooth and efficient transport process.

Cancellations

There will be no charge to the customer if an order is cancelled 24 hours prior to the collection time. However, a callout charge may be issued if the driver has already commenced the journey towards the collection point before the cancellation is accepted by the carrier.

This policy ensures that our resources are managed effectively and that any potential disruptions to our scheduling are minimised. Customers are encouraged to provide timely notice of any cancellations to avoid incurring additional charges.

In the event of a cancellation, our team will work with the customer to reschedule the transport or explore alternative arrangements as needed. Our commitment to flexibility and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of our operations.

Vehicle Types: Small Van to Luton

• 0:00 (driver on site): 100% cancellation charge
• 0:01 – 0:30 minutes: 50% cancellation charge
• 0:31 – 0:60 minutes: £25 administrative fee
• 0:61 minutes and beyond: No cancellation charge

Vehicle Types: 7.5 Tonne to Artic

• 0:00 – 3:00 hours: 100% cancellation charge
• 3:01 – 6:00 hours: 75% cancellation charge
• 6:01 – 9:00 hours: 50% cancellation charge
• 9:01 – 12:00 hours: 25% cancellation charge
• 12:01 hours and beyond: No cancellation charge

Rebooks, Returns & Refusals

Rates will be determined based on the Fast Freight Forward costing model and circumstances. The assessment will be done by the operation team.

Additional Drops

Charges for additional drops vary based on vehicle type and location and the proximity to the original destination. For additional drop within 10 miles to the original destination range from £10 to £50 for Small Van to Luton Van and £50 to £100 for 7.5 Tonne to Artic.

Additional Charges

• Congestion: Charged at actual rates.
• ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone): Charged at actual rates.

Law and Jurisdiction

The contract between Fast Freight Forward and its customers will be governed by English law, and the United Kingdom courts alone shall have jurisdiction in any dispute. This provision ensures that any legal matters are handled within the appropriate legal framework and that both parties have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations.

Our commitment to compliance with legal regulations is integral to our operations, ensuring that we provide a reliable and trustworthy service to our customers. Any disputes or legal matters will be addressed with the utmost professionalism and integrity.

Additional Payment Policies

Any queries regarding an invoice must be raised within 7 days. A monthly credit facility may be extended to selected clients and must be agreed upon in advance. If no credit facility is agreed, the account will be a cash account and must be settled in advance of any booking.

Customers are required to operate their account within the agreed limit. Should this limit be reached, customers must settle such sums to bring the balance back within the agreed limit. The account may be put on hold if the balance exceeds its authorised limit.

Please note that if you are a supplier, we do not recognise third-party commercial finance or invoice discounting/factoring companies as the legitimate legal owner of our transaction. All payments for work done will be sent directly to the supplier.

Our payment policies are designed to ensure clarity and accountability in all financial transactions. By adhering to these policies, we can maintain the financial stability of our operations and continue to provide exceptional service to our customers.

ISO:9001 Accreditation

As an ISO:9001 accredited company, Fast Freight Forward ensures excellence in freight forwarding through seamless operations, encompassing booking, cargo handling, customs clearance, and transportation coordination. Customer satisfaction is prioritised through responsive communication and efficient grievance handling. Supplier management guarantees quality standards, while personnel receive ongoing training, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Rigorous quality processes, compliance with regulations, and a commitment to perpetual enhancement underscore Fast Freight Forward’s dedication to reliability and customer-centric service delivery.

Our commitment to ISO:9001 standards reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence. By adhering to these rigorous standards, we ensure that our customers receive the highest level of service and that our operations remain efficient and effective.

Review and Audit

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement. Regular reviews and audits allow us to identify areas for enhancement and to implement best practices across all aspects of our operations.

Contact

Fast Freight Forward Limited
Unit 8-9, Marbridge House, Harlow, CM19 5BJ
Phone: 03331 880 170
Email: accounts@fastfreightforward.co.uk

Company Registration No. 12074421 · VAT No. 326005638