Terms and Conditions

Standard Contract Terms and Conditions for Merchandise Warehouses

(Approved and promulgated by the American Warehouse Association, October 1968. Revised and promulgated by the International Warehouse Logistics Association, January 1998 and November 2008. Reviewed October 2015)

ACCEPTANCE – Sec. 1

a) This Contract, including accessorial charges that may be attached hereto, must be accepted within 30 days from the proposal date by signature of DEPOSITOR. In the absence of written acceptance, the act of tendering GOODS described herein for storage or other services by WAREHOUSE within 30 days from the proposal date shall constitute acceptance by DEPOSITOR. DEPOSITOR has had the opportunity to review and inspect the warehouse facility (“FACILITY”).

b) In the event that GOODS tendered for storage or other services do not conform to the description contained herein, or conforming GOODS are tendered after 30 days from the proposal date without prior written acceptance by DEPOSITOR as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, WAREHOUSE may refuse to accept such GOODS. If WAREHOUSE accepts such GOODS, DEPOSITOR agrees to rates and charges as may be assigned and invoiced by WAREHOUSE and to all terms of this Contract.

c) Any GOODS accepted by WAREHOUSE shall constitute GOODS under this Contract.

d) This Contract may be canceled by either party upon 30 days written notice and is canceled if no storage or other services are performed under this Contract for a period of 180 days.

SHIPMENTS TO AND FROM WAREHOUSE – Sec. 2

DEPOSITOR agrees that all GOODS shipped to WAREHOUSE shall identify DEPOSITOR on the bill of lading or other contract of carriage as the named consignee, in care of WAREHOUSE, and shall not identify WAREHOUSE as the consignee. If, in violation of this Contract, GOODS are shipped to WAREHOUSE as named consignee on the bill of lading or other contract of carriage,

DEPOSITOR agrees to immediately notify carrier in writing, with copy of such notice to WAREHOUSE, that WAREHOUSE named as consignee is the “in care of party” only and has no beneficial title or interest in the GOODS. Furthermore, WAREHOUSE shall have the right to refuse such GOODS and shall not be liable for any loss, misconsignment, or damage of any nature to, or related to, such GOODS. Whether WAREHOUSE accepts or refuses GOODS shipped in violation of this Section 2, DEPOSITOR agrees to indemnify and hold WAREHOUSE harmless from all claims for transportation, storage, handling and other charges relating to such GOODS, including undercharges, rail demurrage, truck/intermodal detention and other charges of any nature whatsoever.

TENDER OF GOODS – Sec. 3

All GOODS shall be delivered at the FACILITY properly marked and packaged for storage and handling. The DEPOSITOR shall furnish at or prior to such delivery, a manifest showing marks, brands, or sizes to be kept and accounted for separately, and the class of storage and other services desired.

STORAGE PERIOD AND CHARGES – Sec. 4

a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all charges for storage are per package or other agreed unit per month.

b) The storage month begins on the date that WAREHOUSE accepts care, custody and control of the GOODS, regardless of unloading date or date of issue of warehouse receipt.

c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, a full month’s storage charge will apply on all GOODS received between the first and the 15th, inclusive, of a calendar month; one-half month’s storage charge will apply on all GOODS received between the 16th and the last day, inclusive, of a calendar month, and a full month’s storage charge will apply to all GOODS in storage on the first day of the next and succeeding calendar months. All storage charges are due and payable on the first day of storage for the initial month and thereafter on the first day of the calendar month.

d) When mutually agreed in writing by the WAREHOUSE and the DEPOSITOR, a storage month shall extend from a date in one calendar month to, but not including, the same date of the next and all succeeding months. All storage charges are due and payable on the first day of the storage month.

TRANSFER, TERMINATION OF STORAGE, REMOVAL OF GOODS – Sec. 5

a) Instructions to transfer GOODS on the books of the WAREHOUSE are not effective until delivered to and accepted by WAREHOUSE, and all charges up to the time transfer is made are chargeable to the DEPOSITOR. If a transfer involves rehandling the GOODS, such will be subject to a charge. When GOODS in storage are transferred from one party to another through issuance of a new warehouse receipt, a new storage date is established on the date of transfer.

b) The WAREHOUSE reserves the right to move, at its expense, 14 days after notice is sent by certified mail or overnight delivery to the DEPOSITOR , any GOODS in storage from the FACILITY in which they may be stored to any other of WAREHOUSE’s Facilities. WAREHOUSE will store the GOODS at, and may without notice move the GOODS within and between, any one or more of the warehouse buildings which comprise the FACILITY identified on the front of this Contract.

c) The WAREHOUSE may, upon written notice of not less than 30 days to the DEPOSITOR and any other person known by the WAREHOUSE to claim an interest in the GOODS, require the removal of any GOODS. Such notice shall be given to the last known place of business of the person to be notified. If GOODS are not removed before the end of the notice period, the WAREHOUSE may sell them in accordance with applicable law.

d) If WAREHOUSE in good faith believes that the GOODS are about to deteriorate or decline in value to less than the amount of WAREHOUSE’s lien before the end of the 30-day notice period referred to in Section 5(c), the WAREHOUSE may specify in the notification any reasonable shorter time for removal of the GOODS and if the GOODS are not removed, may sell them at public sale held one week after a single advertisement or posting as provided by law.

e) If as a result of a quality or condition of the GOODS of which the WAREHOUSE had no notice at the time of deposit the GOODS are a hazard to other property or to the FACILITY or to persons, the WAREHOUSE may sell the GOODS at public or private sale without advertisement on reasonable notification to all persons known to claim an interest in the GOODS. If the WAREHOUSE after a reasonable effort is unable to sell the GOODS it may dispose of them in any lawful manner and shall incur no liability by reason of such disposition. Pending such disposition, sale or return of the GOODS, the WAREHOUSE may remove the GOODS from the FACILITY and shall incur no liability by reason of such removal.

HANDLING – Sec. 6

a) The handling charge covers the ordinary labor involved in receiving GOODS at warehouse door, placing GOODS in storage, and returning GOODS to warehouse door. Handling charges are due and payable on receipt of GOODS.

b) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, labor for unloading and loading GOODS will be subject to a charge. Additional expenses incurred by the WAREHOUSE in receiving and handling damaged GOODS, and additional expense in unloading from or loading into cars or other vehicles not at warehouse door will be charged to the DEPOSITOR.

c) Labor and materials used in loading rail cars or other vehicles are chargeable to the DEPOSITOR.

d) When GOODS are ordered out in quantities less than in which received, the WAREHOUSE may make an additional charge for each order or each item of an order.

e) The WAREHOUSE shall not be liable for any demurrage or detention, any delays in unloading inbound cars, trailers or other containers, or any delays in obtaining and loading cars, trailers or other containers for outbound shipment unless WAREHOUSE has failed to exercise reasonable care.

DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS – Sec. 7

a) No GOODS shall be delivered or transferred except upon receipt by the WAREHOUSE of DEPOSITOR’s complete written instructions. Written instructions shall include, but are not limited to, FAX, EDI, E-Mail or similar communication, provided WAREHOUSE has no liability when relying on the information contained in the communication as received. GOODS may be delivered upon instruction by telephone in accordance with DEPOSITOR’s prior written authorization, but the WAREHOUSE shall not be responsible for loss or error occasioned thereby.

b) When GOODS are ordered out a reasonable time shall be given the WAREHOUSE to carry out instructions, and if it is unable because of acts of God, war, public enemies, seizure under legal process, strikes, lockouts, riots or civil commotions, or any reason beyond the WAREHOUSE’s control, or because of loss of or damage to GOODS for which WAREHOUSE is not liable, or because of any other excuse provided by law, the WAREHOUSE shall not be liable for failure to carry out such instructions and GOODS remaining in storage will continue to be subject to regular storage charges.

EXTRA SERVICES (SPECIAL SERVICES) – Sec. 8

a) WAREHOUSE labor required for services other than ordinary handling and storage will be charged to the DEPOSITOR.

b) Special services requested by DEPOSITOR including but not limited to compiling of special stock statements; reporting marked weights, serial numbers or other data from packages; physical check of GOODS; and handling transit billing will be subject to a charge.

c) Dunnage, bracing, packing materials or other special supplies, may be provided for the DEPOSITOR at a charge in addition to the WAREHOUSE’s cost.

d) By prior arrangement, GOODS may be received or delivered during other than usual business hours, subject to a charge.

e) Communication expense including postage, overnight delivery, or telephone may be charged to the DEPOSITOR if such concern more than normal inventory reporting or if, at the request of the DEPOSITOR, communications are made by other than regular United States Mail.

BONDED STORAGE – Sec. 9

a) A charge in addition to regular rates will be made for merchandise in bond.

b) Where a warehouse receipt covers GOODS in U.S. Customs bond, WAREHOUSE shall have no liability for GOODS seized or removed by U.S. Customs.

MINIMUM CHARGES – Sec. 10

a) A minimum handling charge per lot and a minimum storage charge per lot per month will be made. When a warehouse receipt covers more than one lot or when a lot is in assortment, a minimum charge per mark, brand, or variety will be made.

b) A minimum monthly charge to one account for storage and/or handling will be made. This charge will apply also to each account when one customer has several accounts, each requiring separate records and billing.

LIABILITY AND LIMITATION OF DAMAGES – Sec. 11

a) WAREHOUSE shall not be liable for any loss or damage to GOODS tendered, stored or handled however caused unless such loss or damage resulted from the failure by WAREHOUSE to exercise such care in regard to them as a reasonably careful person would exercise under like circumstances and WAREHOUSE is not liable for damages which could not have been avoided by the exercise of such care. b) GOODS are not insured by WAREHOUSE against loss or damage however caused.

c) The DEPOSITOR declares that damages are limited to $0.10 per POUND, provided, however, that such liability may at the time of acceptance of this contract as provided in Section 1 be increased upon DEPOSITOR’s written request on part or all of the GOODS hereunder in which event an additional monthly charge will be made based upon such increased valuation.

d) Where loss or damage occurs to tendered, stored or handled GOODS, for which WAREHOUSE is not liable, the DEPOSITOR shall be responsible for the cost of removing and disposing of such GOODS and the cost of any environmental cleanup and site remediation resulting from the loss or damage to the GOODS.

NOTICE OF CLAIM AND FILING OF SUIT – Sec. 12

a) Claims by the DEPOSITOR and all other persons must be presented in writing to the WAREHOUSE within a reasonable time, and in no event any later than the earlier of: (i) 60 days after delivery of the GOODS by the WAREHOUSE or (ii) 60 days after DEPOSITOR is notified by the WAREHOUSE that loss or damage to part or all of the GOODS has occurred.

b) No lawsuit or other action may be maintained by the DEPOSITOR or others against the WAREHOUSE for loss or damage to the GOODS unless timely written claim has been given as provided in paragraph (a) of this section and unless such lawsuit or other action is commenced by no later than the earlier of: (i) nine months after date of delivery by WAREHOUSE or (ii) nine months after DEPOSITOR is notified that loss or damage to part or all of the GOODS has occurred.

c) When GOODS have not been delivered, notice may be given of known loss or damage to the GOODS by mailing of a letter via certified mail or overnight delivery to the DEPOSITOR. Time limitations for presentation of claim in writing and maintaining of action after notice begin on the date of mailing of such notice by WAREHOUSE.

LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES – Sec. 13

WAREHOUSE shall not be liable for any loss of profit or special, indirect, or consequential damages of any kind.

LIABILITY FOR MISSHIPMENT – Sec. 14

If WAREHOUSE negligently misships GOODS, the WAREHOUSE shall pay the reasonable transportation charges incurred to return the misshipped GOODS to the FACILITY. If the consignee fails to return the GOODS, WAREHOUSE’s maximum liability shall be for the lost or damaged GOODS as specified in Section 11 above, and WAREHOUSE shall have no liability for damages due to the consignee’s acceptance or use of the GOODS whether such GOODS be those of the DEPOSITOR or another.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE – Sec. 15

WAREHOUSE shall be liable for loss of GOODS due to inventory shortage or unexplained or mysterious disappearance of GOODS only if DEPOSITOR establishes such loss occurred because of WAREHOUSE’s failure to exercise the care required of WAREHOUSE under Section 11 above. Any presumption of conversion imposed by law shall not apply to such loss and a claim by DEPOSITOR of conversion must be established by affirmative evidence that the WAREHOUSE converted the GOODS to the WAREHOUSE’s own use.

RIGHT TO STORE GOODS – Sec. 16

DEPOSITOR represents and warrants that DEPOSITOR is lawfully possessed of the GOODS and has the right and authority to store them with WAREHOUSE. DEPOSITOR agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the WAREHOUSE from all loss, cost and expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) which WAREHOUSE pays or incurs as a result of any dispute or litigation, whether instituted by WAREHOUSE or others, respecting DEPOSITOR’s right, title or interest in the GOODS. Such amounts shall be charges in relation to the GOODS and subject to WAREHOUSE’s lien.

ACCURATE INFORMATION – Sec. 17

DEPOSITOR will provide WAREHOUSE with information concerning the GOODS which is accurate, complete and sufficient to allow WAREHOUSE to comply with all laws and regulations concerning the storage, handling and transporting of the GOODS. DEPOSITOR will indemnify and hold WAREHOUSE harmless from all loss, cost, penalty and expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) which WAREHOUSE pays or incurs as a result of DEPOSITOR failing to fully discharge this obligation. SEVERABILITY and

WAIVER – Sec. 18

a) If any provision of this Contract, or any application thereof, should be construed or held to be void, invalid or unenforceable, by order, decree or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Contract shall not be affected thereby but shall remain in full force and effect.

b) WAREHOUSE’s failure to require strict compliance with any provision of this Contract shall not constitute a waiver or estoppel to later demand strict compliance with that or any other provision(s) of this Contract.

c) The provisions of this Contract shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of both DEPOSITOR and WAREHOUSE; contain the sole agreement governing GOODS tendered to the WAREHOUSE; and, cannot be modified except by a writing signed by WAREHOUSE and DEPOSITOR.

LIEN – Sec. 19

WAREHOUSE shall have a general warehouse lien for all lawful charges for storage and preservation of the GOODS; also for all lawful claims for money advanced, interest, insurance, transportation, labor, weighing coopering, and other charges and expenses in relation to such GOODS, and for the balance on any other accounts that may be due. WAREHOUSE further claims a general warehouse lien for all such charges, advances and expenses with respect to any other GOODS stored by the DEPOSITOR in any other facility owned or operated by WAREHOUSE. In order to protect its lien, WAREHOUSE reserves the right to require advance payment of all charges prior to shipment of GOODS.

DOCUMENTS OF TITLE – Sec. 20

Documents of title, including warehouse receipts, may be issued either in physical or electronic form at the option of the parties.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION – Sec. 21

This Contract and the legal relationship between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state where the FACILITY is located, including Article 7 of the Uniform Commercial Code as ratified in that state, notwithstanding its conflict of laws rules. Any lawsuit or other action involving any dispute, claim or controversy relating in any way to this Contract shall be brought only in the appropriate state or federal court in the state where the FACILITY is located.

1. DEFINITION.

a) Bill of Lading” as used herein includes conventional bills of lading, as well as electronic, express and laser bills of lading, sea waybills and all like documents, howsoever generated, covering the Carriage of Goods hereunder, whether or not issued to the Merchant

b) “Carriage” means the whole of the operations and services undertaken or performed by or on behalf of the Carrier with respect to the Goods

c) “Carrier” means the Company named on the face side hereof and on whose behalf this Bill of Lading was issued, whether acting as carrier or bailee

d) “Charges” means freight, deadfreight, demurrage and all expenses and money obligations incurred and payable by the Merchant.

e) “Container” means any container (closed or open top), van, trailer, flatbed, transportable tank, railroad car, vehicle, flat, flatrack, pallet, skid, platform, cradle, sling-load or any other article of transport.

f) “Goods” means the cargo received from the shipper and described on the face side hereof and any Container not supplied by or on behalf of the Carrier.

g) “Merchant” means the shipper, consignee, receiver, holder of this Bill of Lading, owner of the cargo or person entitled to the possession of the cargo and the servants and agents of any of these, all of whom shall be jointly and severally liable to the Carrier for the payment of all Charges, and for the performance of the obligations of any of them under this Bill of Lading.

h) “On Board” or similar words endorsed on this Bill of Lading mean that in a Port to Port movement, the Goods have been loaded on board the Vessel or are in the custody of the actual ocean carrier; and in the event of Intermodal transportation, if the originating carrier is an inland or coastal carrier, means that the Goods have been loaded on board rail cars or another mode of transport at the Place of Receipt or are in the custody of a Participating carrier and en route to the Port of Loading named on the reverse side.

i) “Participating carrier” means any other carrier by water, land or air, performing any part of the Carriage, including inland carriers, whether acting as sub-carrier, connecting carrier, substitute carrier or bailee.

j) “Person” means an individual, a partnership, a body corporate or any other entity of whatsoever nature.

k) “Vessel” means the ocean vessel named on the face side hereof, and any substitute vessel, feedership, barge, or other means of conveyance by water used in whole or in part by the Carrier to fulfill this contract.

2. CARRIER’S TARIFFS

The Goods carried hereunder are subject to all terms and conditions of the Carrier’s applicable tariff(s), which are hereby incorporated herein. Copies of the relevant provisions of the applicable tariff(s) are obtainable from the Carrier upon request. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of such tariff(s) and the Terms and Conditions of this Bill of Lading, this Billof Lading shall prevail.

3. WARRANTY/ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

The Merchant warrants that in agreeing to the Terms and Conditions hereof, it is, or is the agent and has the authority of, the owner or person entitled to the possession of the Goods or any person who has a present or future interest in the Goods. When the Merchant instructs or as a matter of course permits the Carrier or its agents to prepare and release one or more original Bills of Lading to the consignee, the Merchant understands and agrees that such instruction or course of dealing, once provided or allowed, is irrevocable by the Merchant regarding this shipment, and the Carrier is without any responsibility or liability upon delivery of the cargopursuant to said instruction or course of dealing and any and all revocations by the Merchant to be completely null and void.

4. RESPONSIBILITY.

a) Except where the Carriage covered by this Bill of Lading is to or from a port or locality where there is in force a compulsorily applicable ordinance or statute similar in nature to the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to Bills of Lading, dated at Brussels, August 25, 1924, the provisions of which cannot be departed from, this Bill of Lading shall have effect subject to the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of the United States (COGSA), approved April 16, 1936, and nothing herein contained, unless otherwise stated, shall be deemed a surrender by the Carrier of any of its rights, immunities, exemptions, limitations or
exonerations or an increase of any of its responsibilities or liabilities under COGSA or, as the case may be, such ordinances or statutes. The provisions of COGSA or such compulsorily applicable ordinances or statutes (except as otherwise specifically provided herein) shall governbefore loading on and after discharge from the vessel and throughout the entire time the Goods or Containers or other packages are in the care, custody and/or control of the Carrier, its agents, servants, Participat
ing carriers or independent contractors (inclusive of all subcontractors), whether engaged by or acting for the Carrier or anyother person, and during the entire time the Carrier is responsible for the Goods.

b) The Carrier shall not be liable in any capacity whatsoever for any delay, non-delivery, misdelivery, acts of thieves, hijacking, act of God, force majeure, quarantine, strikes or lockouts, riots or civil disobedience or any other loss or damage to or in connection with the Goods or Containers or other packages occurring at any time contemplated under subdivision a) of this Clause.

c) The Carrier shall, irrespective of which law is applicable under subdivision a) of this Clause, be entitled to the benefit of the provisions of Sections 4281 to 4287 inclusive, and 4289 of the Revised Statutes of the United States and amendments thereto from time to time made (46 U.S. Code, Sections 181 through 188), as if the same were expressly set forth herein, including but not limited to the Fire Statute, R.S. 4282 (46 U.S. Code, Section 182).

d) The rights, defenses, exemptions, limitations of and exonerations from liability and immunities of whatsoever nature provided for in this Bill of Lading shall apply in any action or proceeding against the Carrier, its agents and servants and/or any Participating carrier or independent contractor.

5. THROUGH TRANSPORTATION.

When either the Place of Receipt or Place of Delivery set forth herein is an inland point or place other than the Port of Loading (Through Transportation basis), the Carrier will procure transportation to or from the sea terminal and such inland point(s) or place(s) and, notwithstanding anything in this Bill of Lading, but always subject to Clause 4 hereof, the following shall apply:

a) If the loss or damage arose during a part of the carriage herein made subject to COGSA or other legislation, as set forth in Clause 4 a) hereof, said legislation shall apply.

b) If the loss or damage not falling within a) above, but which concerns compulsorily applicable laws and would have applied if the Merchant had made a separate and direct contract with the Carrier, a Participating carrier or independent contractor, as referred to in Clause 4 a), then the liability of the Carrier, Participating carrier and independent contractor, their agents and servants, shall be subject to the provisions of such law. If it should be determined that the Carrier bears any responsibility for loss or damage occurring during the care, custody and/or control of any Participating carrier or independent contractor, and be subject to law compulsorily applicable to their bills of lading, receipts, tariffs and/or law, then the Carrier shall be entitled to all rights, defenses, immunities, exemptions, limitations of and exonerations from liability of whatsoever nature accorded under such bill of lading, receipt, tariff and/or applicable law, provided however, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed a surrender by the Carrier of any of its rights, defenses and immunities or an increase of any of its responsibilities or liabilities under this Bill of Lading, the Carrier’s applicable tariff or laws applicable or relating to such Carriage.

6. SUBCONTRACTING: BENEFICIARIES.

a) The Carrier shall be entitled to subcontract on any terms the whole or any part of the Carriage, loading, unloading, storing, warehousing, handling and any and all duties whatsoever undertaken by it in relation to the Goods or Containers.

b) It is understood and agreed that if it should be adjudged that any person or entity other than or in addition to the Carrier is under any responsibility with respect to the Goods, all exemptions, limitations of and exonerations from liability provided by law or by the Terms and Conditions hereof shall be available to all Carrier’s agents, servants, employees, representatives, all Participating (including inland) carriers and all stevedores, terminal operators, warehousemen, crane operators, watchmen, carpenters, ship cleaners, surveyors and all independent contractors whatsoever. In entering into this contract, the Carrier, to the extent of these provisions, does so not only on its own behalf but also as agent and trustee for the aforesaid persons.

c) The Carrier undertakes to procure such services as necessary and shall have the right at its sole discretion to select any mode of land, sea or air transport and to arrange participation by other carriers to accomplish the total or any part of the carriage from Port of Loading to Port of Discharge or from Place of Receipt to Place of Delivery, or any combination thereof, except as may be otherwise provided here in.

d) No agent or servant of the Carrier or other person or class named in subdivision b) hereof shall have power to waive or vary any of the terms hereof unless such waiver or variation is in writing and is specifically authorized or ratified in writing by an officer or director of the Carrier having actual authority to bind the Carrier to such waiver or variation.

7. MERCHANT’S RESPONSIBILITY: DESCRIPTION OF GOODS.

a) The description and particulars of the Goods set out on the face hereof and any description, particular or other representation appearing on the Goods or documents relating thereto are furnished by the Merchant, and the Merchant warrants to the Carrier that the description, particulars and any representation made, including, but not limited to, weight, content, measure, quantity, quality, condition, marks, numbers and value are correct.

b) The Merchant warrants it has complied with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements of Customs, port and other authorities and shall bear and pay all duties, taxes, fines, imposts, expenses and losses incurred or suffered by reason thereof or by reason of any illegal, incorrect or insufficient marking, numbering, addressing or any other particulars relative to the Goods.

c) The Merchant further warrants that the Goods are packed in a manner adequate to withstand the ordinary risks of Carriage having regard to their nature and in compliance with all laws, regulations and requirements which may be applicable.

d) No Goods which are or may become dangerous, inflammable or damaging or which are or may become liable to damage any property or person whatsoever shall be tendered to the Carrier for Carriage without the Carrier’s prior express consent in writing and without the Container or other article of transport in which the Goods are to be transported and the Goods being distinctly marked on the outside so as to indicate the nature and character of any such articles and as to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements. If any such articles are delivered to the Carrier without such written consent and marking or if, in the opinion of the Carrier, the articles are or are liable to become of a dangerous, inflammable or damaging nature, the same may at any time be destroyed, disposed of, abandoned or rendered harmless without compensation to the Merchant and without prejudice to the Carrier’s right to Charges.

e) The Merchant shall be liable for all loss or damage of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to, contamination, soiling, detention and demurrage before, during and after the Carriage of property (including but not limited to Containers) of the Carrier or any person (other than the Merchant) or vessel caused by the Merchant or any person acting on its behalf or for which the Merchant is otherwise responsible.

f) The Merchant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Carrier against any loss, damage, claim, liability or expense whatsoever arising from any breach of the provisions of this Clause 7 or from any cause in connection with the Goods for which the Carrier is not responsible.

8. CONTAINERS.

Goods may be stuffed by the Carrier in or on Containers, and may be stuffed with other goods. Containers, whether stuffed by the Carrier or received fully stuffed, may be carried on or under deck without notice, and the Merchant expressly agrees that cargo stuffed in a Container and carried on deck is considered for all legal purposes to be cargo stowed under deck. Goods stowed in Containers on deck shall be subject to the legislation referred to in Clause 4. hereof and will contribute in General Average and receive compensation in General Average, as the case may be. The Terms and Conditions of this Bill of Lading shall govern the responsibility of
the Carrier with respect to the supply of a Container to the Merchant. If a Container has been stuffed by or on behalf of the Merchant, the Carrier, any Participating carrier, all independent contractors and all persons rendering any service whatsoever hereunder shall not be liable for any loss or damage to the Goods, Containers or other packages or to any other goods caused (1) by the manner in which the Container has been stuffed and its contents secured, (2) by the unsuitability of the Goods for carriage in Containers or for the type of Container requested by and furnished to the Merchant, or (3) condition of the Container furnished, which the Merchant acknowledges has been inspected by it or on its behalf before stuffing and sealing. The Merchant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Carrier, Participating carriers, independent contractors, their agents and servants, against any loss, damage, claim, liability or expense whatsoever arising from one or more of the matters covered by a), b) and c) above.

9. CONTAINERS WITH REEFER APPARATUS.

Containers with temperature or atmosphere control apparatus for refrigeration will not be furnished unless contracted for expressly in writing at time of booking and, when furnished, may entail increased Charges. In the absence of an express request, it shall be conclusively presumed that the use of a dry container is appropriate for the Goods. Merchant must provide Carrier with desired temperature range in writing at time of booking and insert same on the face side of the Bill of Lading, and where so provided, Carrier is to exercise due diligence to maintain the temperature within a range of plus or minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit of the temperature requested by the Merchant on the face hereof while the Containers are in its care, custody and/or control or that of any Participating carrier or independent contractor, their agents or servants. The Carrier does not accept any responsibility for the functioning of temperature or atmosphere-controlled Containers not owned or leased by Carrier or for latent defects not discoverable by the exercise of due diligence. Where the Container is stuffed or partially stuffed by or on behalf of the Merchant, the Merchant warrants that it has properly pre-cooled the Container, that the Goods have been properly stuffed and secured within the Container and that the temperature controls have been properly set prior to delivery of the Container to the Carrier, its agents, servants, or any Participating carrier or independent contractor. The Merchant accepts responsibility for all damage or loss of whatsoever nature resulting from a breach of any of these warranties, including but not limited to other cargo consolidated in the Container with the Merchant’s Goods or to any other cargo, property or person damaged or injured as a result thereof, and the Merchant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the Carrier, Participating carriers and independent contractors, their agents and servants, harmless from and against all claims, suits, proceedings and other consequences thereof regardless of their nature and merit.

10. OPTION OF INSPECTION.

The Carrier and any Participating carrier shall be entitled, but under no obligation, to open any Container at any time and to inspect the contents. If it thereupon appears that the contents or any part thereof cannot safely or properly be carried or carried further, either at all or without incurring any additional expense, the Carrier and Participating carrier may abandon the transportation thereof and/or take any measures and/or incur any reasonable additional expenses to continue the Carriage or to store the Goods, which storage shall be deemed to constitute due delivery under this Bill of Lading. The Merchant shall indemnify the Carrier against any
reasonable additional Charges so incurred

11. DECK CARGO.

Deck cargo (except that carried in Containers on deck) and live animals are received and carried solely at Merchant’s risk (including accident or mortality of animals), and the Carrier will not in any event be liable for any loss or damage for or from which he is exempt, immune or exonerated by applicable law, or from any other cause whatsoever not due to the fault of the Carrier, any warranty of seaworthiness in the premises being hereby waived, and the burden of proving liability being in all respects upon the Merchant. Except as may be otherwise provided, such shipments shall be deemed Goods and shall be subject to all Terms and Conditions of this Bill of Lading.

12. METHODS AND ROUTES OF TRANSPORTATION.

With respect to the Goods or Containers or other packages, the Carrier may at any time and without notice to the Merchant:

a) use any means of transport (water, land and/or air) or storage whatsoever;

b) forward, transship or retain on board or carry on another vessel or conveyance or by any other means of transport than that named on the reverse side hereof;

c) carry Goods on or under deck at its option;

d) proceed by any route in its sole and absolute discretion and whether the nearest, most direct, customary or advertised route or in or out of geographical rotation;

e) proceed to or stay at any place whatsoever once or more often and in any order or omit calling at any port, whether scheduled or not;

f) store, vanned or devanned, at any place whatsoever, ashore or afloat, in the open or covered;

g) proceed with or without pilots;

h) carry livestock, contraband, explosives, munitions, warlike stores, dangerous or hazardous Goods or Goods of any and all kinds;

i) drydock or stop at any unscheduled or unadvertised port for bunkers, repairs or for any purpose whatsoever;

j) discharge and require the Merchant to take delivery, vanned or devanned;

k) comply with any orders, directions or recommendations given by any government or authority or by any person or body acting or purporting to act with the authority of any government or authority or having under the terms of the insurance on the Vessel or other conveyance employed by the Carrier, the right to give such orders, directions or recommendations.

l) take any other steps or precautions as may appear reasonable to the Carrier under the circumstances. The liberties set out in subdivisions a) through l) may be invoked for any purpose whatsoever even if not connected with the Carriage covered by this Bill of Lading, and any action taken or omitted to be taken, and any
delay arising therefrom, shall be deemed to be within the contractual and contemplated Carriage and not be an unreasonable deviation. In no circumstance whatsoever shall the Carrier be liable for direct, indirect or consequential loss, profit of any kind or damage caused by delay or any reason whatsoever.

13. MATTERS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE.

In any situation whatsoever and wheresoever occurring and whether existing or anticipated before commencement of, during or after the Carriage, which in the judgment of the Carrier is likely to give rise to any hindrance, risk, capture, seizure, detention, damage, delay, difficulty or disadvantage or loss to the Carrier or any part of the Goods, or make it unsafe, imprudent, impracticable or unlawful for any reason to receive, keep, load, carry or discharge them or any part of them or commence or continue the Carriage at the Port of Discharge or of the usual or intended place of discharge or Delivery, or to give rise to danger, delay or difficulty of whatsoever nature in proceeding by the usual or intended route, the Carrier and any Participating carrier, without notice to the Merchant, may decline to receive, keep, load, carry or discharge the Goods, or may discharge the Goods and may require the Merchant to take delivery and, upon failure to do so, may warehouse them at the risk and expense of the Merchant and Goods or may forward or transship them as provided in this Bill of Lading, or the Carrier may retain the Goods on board until the return of the Vessel to the Port of Loading or to the Port of Discharge or any other point or until such time as the Carrier deems advisable and thereafter discharge them at any place whatsoever. In such event, as herein provided, such shall be at the risk and expense of the Merchant and Goods, and such action shall constitute complete delivery and performance under this contract, and the Carrier shall be free from any further responsibility. For any service rendered as herein above provided or for any delay or expense to the Carrier, Participating carrier and/or Vessel caused as a result thereof, the Carrier shall, in addition to full Charges, be entitled to reasonable extra compensation, and shall have a lien on the Goods for same. Notice of disposition of the Goods shall be sent to the Merchant named in this Bill of Lading within a reasonable time thereafter.All actions taken by the Carrier hereunder shall be deemed to be within the contractual and contemplated carriage and not be an unreasonable deviation.

14. DELIVERY.

If delivery of the Goods or Containers or other packages or any part thereof is not taken by the Merchant when and where and at such time and place as the Carrier is entitled to have the Merchant take delivery, they shall be considered to have been delivered to the Merchant, and thereafter always to be at the risk and expense of the Merchant and Goods. If the Goods are stowed within a Container owned or leased by the Carrier, the Carrier shall be entitled to devan the contents of any such Container, whereupon the Goods shall be considered to have been delivered to the Merchant and the Carrier, may at its option, subject to its lien and without notice, elect to have same remain where they are or sent to a warehouse or other place, always at the risk and expense of the Merchant and Goods.

15. CHARGES, INCLUDING FREIGHT.

The Charges payable hereunder have been calculated on the basis of particulars furnished by or on behalf of the Merchant. The Carrier shall, at any time, be entitled to inspect, reweigh, remeasure or revalue the contents and, if any of the particulars furnished by the Merchant are found to be incorrect, the Charges shall be adjusted accordingly and the Merchant shall be responsible to pay the correct Charges and all expenses incurred by the Carrier in checking said particulars or any of them. Charges shall be deemed earned on acceptance of the Goods or Containers or other packages for shipment by the Carrier and shall be paid by the Merchant in full, without any offset, counter claim or deduction, cargo and/or vessel or other conveyance lost, or not lost, and shall be non-returnable in any event. The Merchant shall remain responsible for all Charges, regardless whether the Bill of Lading states, in words or symbols, that it is “Prepaid,” “to be Prepaid” or “Collect,” including, but not limited to, costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Carrier in pursuing Charges. Payment of Charges to a freight forwarder, broker or to anyone other than the Carrier shall not be deemed payment to the Carrier and shall be at the Merchant’s risk. In arranging for any services with respect to the Goods, the Carrier shall be considered the exclusive agent of the Merchant for all purposes, and any payment of charges to other than the Carrier shall not, in any event, be considered payment to the Carrier. The Merchant shall defend, indemnify and hold the Carrier, Participating carriers, independent contractors, their agents and servants, harmless from and against all liability, loss damage and expense which may be sustained or incurred relative to the above.

16. CARRIER’S LIEN.

The Carrier shall have a lien on the Goods and any documents relating thereto, inclusive of any Container owned or leased by the Merchant, as well as on any Charges of whatsoever nature due any other person, and any documents relating thereto, which lien shall survive delivery, for all sums due under this contract or any other contract or undertaking to which the Merchant was partly or otherwise involved, including, but not limited to, General Average contributions, salvage, demurrage and the cost of recovering such sums, inclusive of attorney fees. Such lien may be enforced by the Carrier by public or private sale at the expense of and without notice
to the Merchant. The Merchant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the Carrier, Participating carriers, independent contractors, their agents and servants, harmless from and against all liability, loss, damage or expense which may be sustained or incurred by the Carrier relative to the above and the Merchant agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of any court, tribunal or other body before whom the Carrier may be brought, whether said proceeding is of a civil or criminal nature.

17. RUST.

It is agreed that superficial rust, oxidation or any like condition due to moisture, is not a condition of damage but is inherent to the nature of the Goods. Acknowledgement of receipt of the Goods in apparent good order and condition is not a representation that such conditions of rust, oxidation or the like did not exist on receipt.

18. BOTH-TO-BLAME COLLISION.

If the Vessel on which the Goods are carried (the carrying Vessel) comes into collision with any other vessel or object (the non-carrying vessel or object) as a result of the negligence of the non-carrying vessel or object or the owner of, charterer of, or person responsible for the non-carrying vessel or object, the Merchant undertakes to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Carrier against all claims by or liability to (and any expense arising therefrom) any vessel or person in respect of any loss of or damage to, or any claim whatsoever of the Merchant paid or payable to the Merchant by the non-carrying vessel or object or the owner of, charterer of or person responsible for the non-carrying vessel or object and set off, recouped or recovered by such vessel, object or person against the Carrier, the carrying vessel or her owners or charterers. This provision is to remain in effect in other jurisdictions, even if unenforceable in the courts of the United States.

19. GENERAL AVERAGE

a) If General Average is declared, it shall be adjusted according to the York/Antwerp Rules of 1994 and all subsequent amendments thereto from time to time made, at any place at the option of any person entitled to declare General Average, and the Amended Jason Clause as approved by BIMCO is to be considered as incorporated herein, and the Merchant shall provide such security as may be required in this connection.

b) Notwithstanding a) above, the Merchant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Carrier, Participating carriers, independent contractors, their agents and servants, in respect of any claim (and any expense arising therefrom) of a General Average nature which may be made against the Carrier and/or any Participating carrier and shall provide such security as may be required in this connection.

c) Neither the Carrier nor any Participating carrier shall be under any obligation to take any steps whatsoever to post security for General Average or to collect security for General Average contributions due the Merchant.

20. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

Except as otherwise provided in this Clause or elsewhere in this Bill of Lading, in case of any loss or damage to or in connection with cargo exceeding in actual value the equivalent of $500 lawful money of the United States, per package, or in case of cargo not shipped in packages, per shipping unit, the value of the cargo shall be deemed to be $500 per package or per shipping unit. The Carrier’s liability, if any, shall be determined on the basis of a value of $500 per package or per shipping unit or pro rata in case of partial loss or damage, unless the nature of the cargo and valuation higher than $500 per package or per shipping unit shall have been declared by the Merchant before shipment and inserted in this Bill of Lading, and extra freight paid if required. In such case, if the actual value of the cargo per package or per shipping unit shall exceed such declared value,the value shall nevertheless be deemed to be declared value and the Carrier’s liability, if any, shall not exceed the declared value. The words “shipping unit” shall mean each physical unit or piece of cargo not shipped in a package, including articles or things of any description whatsoever, except cargo shipped in bulk, and irrespective of the weight or measurement unit employed in calculating freight and related charges.
As to cargo shipped in bulk, the limitation applicable thereto shall be the limitation provided in Section 1304(5) of COGSA, or such other legislation, convention or law as may be applicable, and in no event shall anything herein be construed as a waiver of limitation as to cargo shipped in bulk. Where a Container is not stuffed by or on behalf of the Carrier or the parties characterize the Container as a package or a lump sum freight is assessed, in any of these events, each Container and its contents shall be deemed a single package and Carrier’s liability limited to $500 with respect to each such package, except as otherwise provided in this Clause or elsewhere in this Bill of Lading. In the event this provision should be held invalid during that period in which compulsory legislation shall apply of its own force and effect, such as during the tackle-to-tackle period, it shall nevertheless apply during all non-compulsory periods such as, but not limited to, all periods prior to loading and subsequent to discharge from the Vessel for which the Carrier remains responsible. Where compulsorily applicable legislation provides a limitation less than $500 per package or shipping unit, such lesser limitation shall apply and nothing herein contained shall be construed as a waiver of a limitation less than $500.Further, where a lesser monetary limitation is applicable, such as during handling by a Participating carrier or independent contractor and damage occurs during its or their period of care, custody, control and/or responsibility, the Carrier shall be entitled to avail itself of such lesser limitation.

21. NOTICE OF CLAIM: TIME FOR SUIT.

As to any loss or damage presumed to have occurred during the Carrier’s period of responsibility, the Carrier must be notified in writing of any such loss or damage or claim before or at the time of discharge/removal of the Goods by the Merchant or, if the loss or damage is not then apparent, within 3 consecutive days after discharge/delivery or the date when the Goods should have been discharged/delivered. If not so notified, discharge, removal or delivery, depending upon the law applicable, shall be prima facie evidence of discharge/delivery in good order by the Carrier of such Goods. In any event, the Carrier shall be discharged from all liability of whatsoever nature unless suit is brought within 1 year after delivery of the Goods or the date when the Goods should have been delivered, provided however,
that if any claim should arise during a part of the transport which is subject by applicable law and/or tariff and/or contract to a shorter period for notice of claim or commencement of suit, any liability whatsoever of the Carrier shall cease unless proper claim is made in writing and suit is brought within such shorter period.
Suit shall not be deemed “brought” unless jurisdiction is obtained over the Carrier by service of process or by an agreement to appear. In the event this provision is held invalid during that period in which compulsory legislation shall apply of its own force and effect, such as during the tackle-to-tackle period, it shall nevertheless apply during all non- compulsory periods during which the Carrier remains responsible.

22. LAW AND JURISDICTION

Governing Law shall be in accordance with Clause 4. hereof. Jurisdiction: All disputes in any way relating to this Bill of Lading shall be determined by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, in Miami, Florida to the exclusion of the jurisdiction of any other courts in the United States or the courts of any other country, PROVIDED ALWAYS that the Carrier may in its absolute and sole discretion invoke or voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of any other court which, but for the terms of this Bill of Lading, could properly assume jurisdiction to hear and determine such disputes, but such shall not constitute a waiver of the terms of this provision in any other instance.

Terms and Conditions of Service

These terms and conditions of service constitute a legally binding contract between the “Company” and the “Customer”. In the event the Company renders services and issues a document containing Terms and Conditions governing such services, the Terms and Conditions set forth in such other document(s) shall govern those services.

1. Definitions

(a)”Company” shall mean OVERSEAS FREIGHT SOLUTIONS, LLC., its subsidiaries, related companies,agents and/or representatives

(b)”Customer” shall mean the person for which the Company is rendering service, as well as its agents and/or representatives, including, but not limited to, shippers, importers, exporters,carriers, secured parties, warehouseman, buyers and/or sellers, shipper’s agents, insurers and underwriters, break‐bulk agents, consignees, etc. It is the responsibility of the Customer to provide notice and copy(s) of these terms and conditions of service to all such agents or representatives;

(c)”Documentation” shall mean all information received directly or indirectly from Customer,whether in paper or electronic form;

(d)”Ocean Transportation Intermediaries” (“OTI”) shall include an “ocean freight forwarder” and a “non‐vessel operating carrier”;

(e)”Third Parties” shall include, but not limited to, the following: “carriers, truckmen, cartmen, lightermen, forwarders, OTIs, customs brokers, agents, warehousemen and others to which the goods are entrusted for transportation, cartage, handling and/or delivery and/or storage or otherwise

(f)These terms and conditions of service constitute a legally binding contract between the “Company” and the “Customer”. In the event the Company renders services and issues a document containing Terms and Conditions governing such services, the Terms and Conditions set forth in such other document(s) shall govern those services to the extent they conflict with these terms and conditions. Otherwise, both sets of terms and conditions shall apply.

2. Company as agent

The Company acts at the “agent” of the Customer for the purpose of performing duties in connection with the entry and release of goods, post entry services, the securing of export licenses, the filing of export documentation on behalf of the Customer and other dealings with Government Agencies: as to all other services, Company acts as an independent contractor.

3. Limitation of Actions

(a) Unless subject to a specific statue or international convention, all claims against the Company for a potential or actual loss, must be made in writing and received by the Company, within ninety (90) days of the event giving rise to claim; the failure to give the Company timely notice shall be a complete defense to any suit or action commenced by Customer.

(b) All suits against Company must be filed and properly served on Company as follows:
(i) For claims arising out of ocean transportation, within (1) year from the date of the loss;
(ii)For claims arising out of air transportation, within two (2) years from the date of the loss;
(iii) For claims arising out of the preparation and/or submission of an import entry(s), within seventy five (75) days from the date of liquidation of the entry(s);
(iv) For any and all other claims of any other type, within two (2) years from the date of the loss or damage.

4. No Liability For The Selection or Services of Third Parties and/or Routes.

Unless services are performed by persons or firms engaged pursuant to express written instructions from the Customer, Company shall use reasonable care in its selection of third parties, or in selecting the means, route and procedures to be followed in the handling, transportation, clearance and delivery of the shipment; advice by the Company that a particular person or firm has been selected to render shipment; advice by the Company that a particular person or firm has been selected to render services with respect to the goods, shall not be construed to mean that the Company warrants or epresents that such person or firm will render such services nor does Company assume responsibility or liability for any action(s) and/or inaction(s) of such third party and/or its agents, and shall not be liable for any delay or loss of any kind, which occurs while a shipment is in the custody or control of a third party or the agent of a third party; all claims in connection with the Act of a third party shall be brought solely against such party and/or its agents; in connection with
any such claim, the Company shall reasonably cooperate with the Customer, which shall be liable for any charges or costs incurred by the Company.

5. Quotations Not Binding

Quotations as to fees, rates of duty, freight charges, insurance premiums or other charges given by the Company to the Customer are for informational purposes
only and are subject to change without notice; no quotation shall be binding upon the Company unless the Company in writing agrees to undertake the handling or transportation of the shipment at a specific rate or amount set forth in the quotation and payment arrangements are agreed to between the Company and the Customer.

6. Reliance On Information Furnished

(a) Customer acknowledges that it is required to review all documents and declarations prepared and/or filed with the Customs Service, other Government Agency and/or third parties, and will immediately advise the Company of any errors, discrepancies, incorrect statements, or omissions on any declaration filed on Customers behalf;

(b)In preparing and submitting customs entries, export declarations, applications, documentation and/or export data to the United States and/or a third party, the Company relies on the correctness of all documentation, whether in written or electronic format, and all information furnished by Customer; Customer shall use reasonable care to insure the correctness of all such information and shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any and all claims asserted and/or liability or losses suffered by reason of the Customer’s failure to disclose information or any incorrect or false statement by the Customer upon which the Company reasonably relied. The Customer agrees that the Customer has an affirmative non‐delegable duty to disclose any and all information required to import, export or enter the goods.

7. Declaring Higher Value to Third Parties

Third parties to whom the goods are entrusted may limit liability for loss or damage; The Company will request excess valuation coverage only upon specific written instructions from the Customer, which must agree to pay any charges therefor; in the absence of written instructions or the refusal of the third party to agree to a higher declared value, at Company’s discretion, the goods may be tendered to the third party, Subject to the terms of the third party’s limitations of liability and/or terms and conditions of service.

8. Insurance

Unless requested to do so in writing and confirmed to Customer in writing, Company is under no obligation to procure insurance on Customer’s behalf; in all cases. Customer shall pay all premiums and costs in connection with procuring requested insurance.

9. Disclaimers; Limitation of Liability

(a) Except as specifically set forth herein. Company makes no express or implied warranties in connection with its services;

(b) Subject to (c) below, Customer agrees that in connection with any and all services performed by the Company, the Company shall only be liable for its negligent acts, which are the direct and proximate cause of any injury to Customers, including loss or damage to Customer’s goods, and the Company shall in no event be liable for the acts of third parties;

(c) In connection with all services performed by the Company, Customer may obtain additional liability coverage, up to the actual or declared value of the shipment or transaction, by requesting such coverage and agreeing to make payment therefor, which request must be confirmed in writing by the Company prior to rendering services for the covered transaction(s).

(d) In the absence of additional coverage under (b) above, the Company’s liability shall be limited to the following:
(i) Where the claim arises from activities other than those relating to customs brokerage, $50.00 per shipment or transaction, or
(ii) where the claim arises from activities relation to “Customs business,” $50.00 per entry or the amount of brokerage fees paid to Company for the entry, whichever is less;

(e) In no event shall Company be liable or responsible for consequential, indirect, incidental, statutory or punitive damages even if it has been put on notice of the possibility of such damages.

10. Advancing Money

All charges must be paid by Customer in advance unless the Company agrees in writing to extend credit to customer; the granting of credit to a Customer in connection with a particular transaction shall not be considered a waiver of this provision by the Company.

11. Indemnification/Hold Harmless.

The Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold the Company harmless from any claims and/or liability arising from the importation or exportation of customers merchandise and/or any conduct of the Customer, which violates any Federal, State and/or other laws, and further agrees to indemnity and hold the Company harmless against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, claims and/or expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, which the Company may hereafter incur, suffer or be required to pay by reason of such claims; in the event that any claim, suit or proceedings is brought against the
Company, it shall give notice in writing to the Customer by mail at its address on file with the Company.

12. C.O.D. or Cash Collect Shipments

Company shall use reasonable care regarding written instructions relating to “Cash/Collect” on “Deliver (C.O.D.)” shipments, bank drafts, cashier’s
and/or certified checks, letter(s) of credit and other similar payment documents and / or instructions regarding collection of monies but shall not have liability if the bank or consignee refuses to pay for the shipment.

13. Costs of Collection

In any dispute involving monies owed to Company, the Company shall be entitled to all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney’s fees and interest at 15% per annum of the highest rate allowed by law, whichever is less, unless a lower amount is agreed to by Company.

14. General Lien and Right to Sell Customer’s Property.

(a) Company shall have a general and continuing lien on any and all property of Customer coming into Company’s actual or constructive possession or control for monies owed to Company with regard to the shipment on which the lien is claimed, a prior shipment(s) and/or both:

(b) Company shall provide written notice to Customer of its intent to exercise such lien, the exact amount of monies due and owing, as well as any on‐going storage or other charges; Customer shall notify all parties having an interest in its shipment(s) of Company’s rights and/or the exercise of such lien.

(c) Unless, within thirty days of receiving notice of lien, Customer posts cash or letter of credit at sight, or, if the amount due is in dispute, an acceptable bond equal to 110% of the value of the total amount due, in favor of Company, guaranteeing payment of the monies owed, plus all storage charges accrued or to be accrued, Company shall have the right to sell such shipment(s) at public or private sale or auction and any net proceeds remaining thereafter shall be refunded to Customer.

15. No Duty to Maintain Records for Customer

Customer acknowledges that pursuant to Sections 508 and 509 of the Tariff Act, as amended, (19 USC § 1508 and 1509) it has the duty and is solely liable for maintaining all records required under the Customers and/or other Laws and Regulations of the United States; unless otherwise agreed to in writing, the Company shall only keep such records that it is required to maintain by Statue(s) and/or Regulation(s), but not act as a “record keeper” or “record keeping agent” for Customer.

16. Obtaining Binding Rulings, Filing Protests, etc.

Unless requested by Customer in writing and agreed to by Company in writing, Company shall be under no obligation to undertake any pre‐or post‐Customs release action, including, but not limited to, obtaining binding rulings, advising of liquidations, filing of petition(s) and/or protests, etc.

17. Preparation and Issuance of Bills of Lading

Where Company prepares and/or issues a bill of
lading. Company shall be under no obligation to specify thereon the number of pieces, packages and/or cartons, etc,; unless specifically requested to do so in writing by Customer or its agent and Customer agrees to pay for same, Company shall rely upon and use the cargo weight supplied by Customer.

18. No Modifications or Amendment Unless Written

These Terms and conditions of service may only be modified, altered or amended in writing signed by both Customer and Company; any attempt to nilaterally modify, alter or amend same shall be null and void.

19. Compensation of Company

The compensation of the Company for its services shall be included with and is in addition to the rates and charges of all carriers and other agencies selected by the company to transport and deal with the goods and such compensation shall be exclusive of any brokerage, commissions, dividends, or other revenue received by the Company from carriers, insurers and others in connection with the shipment. On ocean exports, upon request, the Company shall provide a detailed breakout of the components of all charges assessed and a true copy of each pertinent document relating to these charges, in any referral for collection or action against the Company for monies due the Company, upon recovery by the Company, the Customer shall pay the expenses of collection and/or litigation, including a reasonable attorney fee.

20.Severability.

In the event any Paragraph(s) and/or portion(s) hereof is found to be invalid and/or unenforceable, then in such event the remainder hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

21. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue

These terms and conditions of service and the relationship of the parties shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Florida without giving consideration to principals of conflict of law. Customer and Company

(a) Irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court and the State courts of Florida;
(b) Agree that any action relating to the services performed by Company, shall only be brought in said courts;
(C) Consent to the exercise of in personam jurisdiction by said courts over it, and
(d) Further agree that any action to enforce a judgement may be instituted in any jurisdiction

These terms and conditions of service constitute a legally binding contract between the “Company” and the “Customer”. In the event Company renders services and issues a document containing Terms and Conditions governing such services, the Terms and Conditions set forth in such other document(s) shall govern those services.

1. Definitions. (a) “Company” shall mean Oceans Consolidators Inc.. its subsidiaries, related companies, agents and/or representatives; (b) “Customer” shall mean the person for which Company is rendering service, as well as its agents and/or representatives, including, but not limited to, owners, shippers, importers, exporters, carriers, secured parties, warehousemen, buyers and/or sellers, shipper’s agents, insurers and underwriters, break bulk agents, consignees, consignors, transferees, transferors, etc. It is the responsibility of Customer to provide notice and copy(s) of these terms and conditions of service to all such persons or entities. (c) “Documentation” shall mean all information received directly or indirectly from Customer, whether in paper or electronic form; (d) “Ocean Transportation Intermediaries” (“OTI”) shall include an “ocean freight forwarder” and a “non vessel operating carrier”; (e) “Third parties” shall include, but not be limited to, the following: “carriers, truckmen, cartmen, lightermen, forwarders, OTIs, customs brokers, agents, warehousemen and others to which the goods are entrusted for transportation, cartage, handling and/or delivery and/or storage or otherwise”

2. Company as agent: Company acts as the “agent” of Customer for the purpose of performing duties in connection with the entry and release of goods, post entry services, the securing of export licenses, the filing of export documentation on behalf of Customer and other dealings with Government Agencies: as to all other services, Company acts as an independent contractor.

3. Liability of Company. In no event shall Company be liable for any act, omission or default by it in connection with an exportation or importation, unless a claim therefor shall be presented to it at its office within one hundred twenty (120) days from date of exportation or importation of the goods in a written statement to which sworn proof of claim shall be attached. No suit to recover for any claim or demand hereunder shall in any event be maintained against Company unless instituted within six (6) months after presentation of the said claim, as above provided. No agent or employee of Company shall have authority to alter or waive any of the provisions of this clause.

4. No Liability For The Selection or Services of Third Parties and/or Routes. Unless services are performed by persons or firms engaged pursuant to express written instructions from Customer, Company shall use reasonable care in its selection of third parties, or in selecting the means, route and procedure to be followed in the handling, transportation, clearance and delivery of the shipment; advice by Company that a particular person or firm has been selected to render services with respect to the goods, shall not be construed to mean that Company warrants or represents that such person or firm will render such services nor does Company assume responsibility or liability for any actions(s) and/ or inaction(s) of such third parties and/or its agents, and shall not be liable for any delay or loss of any kind, which occurs while a shipment is in the custody or control of a third party or the agent of a third party; all claims in connection with the act of a third party shall be brought solely against such party and/or its agents; in connection with any such claim, Company shall reasonably cooperate with Customer, which shall be liable for any charges or costs incurred by Company. Due to the nature of the transportation business, Company cannot guarantee pick up, transportation or delivery by a stipulated date or a stipulated time beyond the deadline guarantees to specific shipment destinations stipulated by the vendor carrier that Company chooses, nor shall Company be liable for the consequences of failure to do so. Company specifically does not guarantee delivery by a stipulated date or a stipulated time of any item shipped via the USPS.

5. Liability Limitations of Third Parties. Company is authorized to select and engage carriers, truckmen, lightermen, forwarders, customhouse brokers, agents, warehousemen and others, as required, to transport, store, deal with and deliver the goods, all of whom shall be considered as the agents of Customer, and the goods may be entrusted to such agencies subject to all conditions as to limitation of liability for loss, damage, expense or delay and to all rules, regulations, requirements and conditions, whether printed, written or stamped, appearing in bills of lading, receipts or tariffs issued by such carriers, truckmen, lightermen, forwarders, customhouse brokers, agents, warehousemen and others. Company shall under no circumstances be liable for any transport or render other services with respect to such goods.

6. Declaring Higher Valuation. Inasmuch as truckers, carriers, warehousemen and others to whom the goods are entrusted usually limit their liability for loss or damage unless a higher value is declared and a charge based on such higher value is agreed to by said truckers, etc., Company must receive specific written instructions from Customer to pay such higher charge based on valuation and the trucker, etc., must accept such higher declared value; otherwise the valuation placed by Customer on the goods shall be considered solely for export or customs purposes and the goods will be delivered to the truckers, etc. subject to the limitation of liability set forth herein with respect to any claim against Company and subject to the provisions set forth herein.

7. Quotations Not Binding. Quotations as to fees, rates of duty, freight charges, insurance premiums or other charges given by Company to Customer are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice; no quotation shall be binding upon Company unless Company in writing agrees to undertake the handling or transportation of the shipment at a specific rate or amount set forth in the quotation and payment arrangements are agreed to between Company and Customer.

8. Duty To Furnish Information. (a) On an import at a reasonable time prior to entry of the goods for Customs & Border Protection, Customer shall furnish to Company, invoices in proper form and other documents necessary or useful in the preparation of the Customs entry and, also, such further information as may be sufficient to establish the dutiable value, the classification and admissibility pursuant to U.S. law or regulation. If Customer fails in a timely manner to furnish such information or documents in whole or in part, as may be required to complete Customs entry, or if the information or documents furnished is inaccurate or incomplete, Company shall be obligated only to use its reasonable judgment in connection with the shipment. Where a bond is required by Customs to be given for the production of any document or the performance of any act, Customer shall be deemed bound by the terms of the bond notwithstanding the fact that the bond has been executed by Company as principal, it being understood that Company entered into such undertaking at the instance and on behalf of Customer, and Customer shall indemnify and hold Company harmless for the consequences of any breach of the terms of the bond. (b) On an export at a reasonable time prior to the exportation of the shipment Customer shall furnish to Company the commercial invoice in proper form and number, a proper consular declaration, weights, measures, values and other information in the language of and as may be required by the laws and regulations of the U.S. and the country of destination of the goods. (c) On an export or import Company shall not in any way be responsible or liable for increased duty, penalty, fine or expense unless caused by the negligence or other fault of Company, in which event its liability to Customer shall be governed by the provisions set forth herein. Customer shall be bound by and warrant the accuracy of all invoices, documents and information furnished to Company by Customer or its agent for export, entry or other purposes, and Company shall not be liable for any losses, fines, penalties claims or any other amount payable as the result of Customer’s failure to make timely presentation of any invoices, documents and information, even if not due to any negligence of Customer.

9. Indemnification of Freight, Duties. In the event that a carrier, other person or any governmental agency makes a claim or institutes legal action against Company for ocean or any other freight, duties, fines, penalties, liquidated damages or other money due arising from a shipment of goods of Customer, Customer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Company for any amount Company may be required to pay such carrier, other person or governmental agency together with reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, incurred by Company in connection with defending such claim or legal action and obtaining reimbursement from Customer. The confiscation or detention of the goods by any governmental authority shall not affect or diminish the liability of Customer to Company to pay all charges or other money due promptly on demand.

10. Reliance On Information Furnished. (a) Customer acknowledges that it is required to review all documents and declarations prepared and/or filed with Customs & Border Protection, other Government Agency and/or third parties, and will immediately advise Company of any errors, discrepancies, incorrect statements, or omissions on any declaration filed on Customers behalf; (b) In preparing and submitting customs entries, export declarations, applications, documentation and/or export data to the United States and/or a third party, Company relies on the correctness of all documentation, whether in written or electronic format, and all information furnished by Customer; Customer shall use reasonable care to ensure the correctness of all such information and shall indemnify and hold Company harmless from any and all claims asserted and/or liability or losses suffered by reason of Customer’s failure to disclose information or any incorrect or false statement by Customer upon which Company reasonably relied. Customer agrees that Customer has an affirmative non delegable duty to disclose any and all information required to import, export or enter the goods.

11. Declaring Higher Value To Third Parties. Third parties to whom the goods are entrusted may limit liability for loss or damage; Company will request excess valuation coverage only upon specific written instructions from Customer, which must agree to pay any charges therefor; in the absence of written instructions or the refusal of the third party to agree to a higher declared value, at Company’s discretion, the goods may be tendered to the third party, subject to the terms of the third party’s limitations of liability and/or terms and conditions of service.

12. Insurance. Company will make reasonable efforts to effect marine, fire, theft and other insurance upon the goods only after specific written instructions have been received by Company in sufficient time prior to shipment from point of origin, and Customer at the same time states specifically the kind and amount of insurance to be placed. Company does not undertake or warrant that such insurance can or will be placed. Unless Customer has its own open marine policy and instructs Company to effect insurance under such policy, insurance is to be effected with one or more insurance companies or other underwriters to be selected by Company. Any insurance placed shall be governed by the certificate or policy issued and will only be effective when accepted by such Insurance companies or other underwriters. Should an insurer dispute its liability for any reason, the insured shall have recourse against the insurer only and Company shall not be under any responsibility or liability in relation thereto, notwithstanding that the premium upon the policy may not be at the same rates as that charged or paid to Company by Customer, or that the shipment was insured under a policy in the name of Company. Insurance premiums and the charge of Company for arranging the same shall be at Customer’s expense. If for any reason the goods are held in warehouse, or elsewhere, the same will not be covered by any insurance, unless Company receives written instructions from Customer. Unless specifically agreed in writing, Company assumes no responsibility to effect insurance on any export or import shipment which it does not handle.

13. Disclaimers; Limitation of Liability. (a) Except as specifically set forth herein, Company makes no express or implied warranties in connection with its services; (b) Subject to (c) below, Customer agrees that in connection with any and all services performed by Company, Company shall only be liable for its negligent acts, which are the direct and proximate cause of any injury to Customer, including loss or damage to Customer’s goods, and Company shall in no event be liable for the acts of third parties; (c) In connection with all services performed by Company, Customer may obtain additional liability coverage, up to the actual or declared value of the shipment or transaction, by requesting such coverage and agreeing to make payment therefor, which request must be confirmed in writing by Company prior to rendering services for the covered transaction(s). (d) In the absence of additional coverage under (c) above, Company’s liability shall be limited to the following: (i) where the claim arises from activities other than those relating to customs brokerage, $50.00 per shipment or transaction, or (ii) where the claim arises from activities relating to “Customs business,” $50.00 per entry or the amount of brokerage fees paid to Company for the entry, whichever is less; (e) In no event shall Company be liable or responsible for consequential, indirect, incidental, statutory or punitive damages even if it has been put on notice of the possibility of such damages.

14. Loss, Damage or Expense Due To Delay. Unless the services to be performed by Company on behalf of Customer are unduly delayed by reason of the negligence or other fault of Company, Company shall not be responsible for any loss, damage or expense incurred by Customer because of such delay. In the event Company is at fault, as aforesaid, its liability is limited in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.

15. Advancing Money. All charges must be paid by Customer in advance unless Company agrees in writing to extend credit to customer; the granting of credit to a Customer in connection with a particular transaction shall not be considered a waiver of this provision by Company.

16. Indemnification/Hold Harmless. Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Company harmless from any claims and/or liability arising from the importation or exportation of customers merchandise and/or any conduct of Customer, which violates any Federal, State and/or other laws, and further agrees to indemnify and hold Company harmless against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, claims and/or expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, which Company may hereafter incur, suffer or be required to pay by reason of such claims; in the event that any claim, suit or proceeding is brought against Company, it shall give notice in writing to Customer by mail at its address on file with Company.

17. C.O.D. Shipments. Goods received with Customer’s or other person’s instructions to “Collect on Delivery” (C.O.D.) by drafts or otherwise, or to collect on any specified terms by time drafts or otherwise, are accepted by Company only upon the express understanding that it will exercise reasonable care in the selection of a bank, correspondent, carrier or agent to whom it will send such item for collection, and Company will not be responsible for any act, omission, default, suspension, insolvency or want of care, negligence, or fault of such bank, correspondent, carrier or agent, nor for any delay in remittance lost in exchange, or loss during transmission, or while in the course of collection.

18. Costs of Collection. In any dispute involving monies owed to Company, Company shall be entitled to all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney’s fees and interest at 15% per annum or the highest rate allowed by law, whichever is less, unless a lower amount is agreed to by Company.

19. General Lien and Right To Sell Customer’s Property. (a) Company shall have a general and continuing lien on any and all property of Customer coming into Company’s actual or constructive possession or control for monies owed to Company with regard to the shipment on which the lien is claimed, a prior shipment(s) and/or both; (b) Company shall provide written notice to Customer of its intent to exercise such lien, the exact amount of monies due and owing, as well as any ongoing storage or other charges; Customer shall notify all parties having an interest in its shipment(s) of Company’s rights and/or the exercise of such lien. (c) Unless, within thirty days of receiving notice of lien, Customer posts cash or letter of credit at sight, or, if the amount due is in dispute, an acceptable bond equal to 110% of the value of the total amount due, in favor of Company, guaranteeing payment of the monies owed, plus all storage charges accrued or to be accrued, Company shall have the right to sell such shipment(s) at public or private sale or auction and any net proceeds remaining thereafter shall be refunded to Customer.

20. Picking Up Shipments Or Samples. Company shall not itself be obligated to pick up a shipment from a carrier or a sample from Customs & Border Protection. Should Company render such a service for and on behalf of Customer, Company shall not be responsible for loss or damage to the shipment unless it is in the actual custody and control of Company or its employee and the loss or damage is caused by the negligence or other fault of Company or its employee, in which event the limitation of liability set forth herein shall apply.

21. No Responsibility For Governmental Requirements. It is the responsibility of Customer to know and comply with the marking requirements of Customs & Border Protection, the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and all other requirements of law or official regulations. Company shall not be responsible for action taken or fines or penalties assessed by any governmental agency against the shipment because of the failure of Customer to comply with the law or the requirements or regulations of any governmental agency or with a notification issued to Customer by any such agency.

22. Sale of Perishable Goods. Perishable goods or live animals to be exported or which are cleared through customs concerning which no instructions for disposition are furnished by Customer may be sold or otherwise disposed of without any notice to Customer, owner or consignee of the goods, and payment or tender of the net proceeds of any sale after deduction of charges shall be equivalent to delivery. In the event that any shipment is refused or remains unclaimed at destination or any transshipping point in the course of transit or is returned for any reason, Customer shall nevertheless pay Company for all charges and expenses in connection therewith. Nothing herein contained shall obligate Company to forward or enter or clear the goods or arrange for this disposal.

23. No Duty To Maintain Records For Customer. Customer acknowledges that pursuant to Sections 508 and 509 of the Tariff Act, as amended, (19 USC ‘1508 and 1509) it has the duty and is solely liable for maintaining all records required under the Customs and/or other Laws and Regulations of the United States; unless otherwise agreed to in writing, Company shall only keep such records that it is required to maintain by Statute(s) and/or Regulation(s), but not act as a “record keeper” or “recordkeeping agent” for Customer.

24. Obtaining Binding Rulings, Filing Protests, etc. Unless requested by Customer in writing and agreed to by Company in writing, Company shall be under no obligation to undertake any pre or post Customs release action, including, but not limited to, obtaining binding rulings, advising of liquidations, filing of petition(s) and/or protests, etc.

25. Preparation and Issuance of Bills of Lading. Where Company prepares and/or issues a bill of lading, Company shall be under no obligation to specify thereon the number of pieces, packages and/or cartons, etc.; unless specifically requested to do so in writing by Customer or its agent and Customer agrees to pay for same, Company shall rely upon and use the cargo weight supplied by Customer.

26. No Modification or Amendment Unless Written. These terms and conditions of service may only be modified, altered or amended in writing signed by both Customer and Company; any attempt to unilaterally modify, alter or amend same shall be null and void.

27. Compensation of Company. The compensation of Company for its services shall be included with and is in addition to the rates and charges of all carriers and other agencies selected by Company to transport and deal with the goods and such compensation shall be exclusive of any brokerage, commissions, dividends, or other revenue received by Company from carriers, insurers and others in connection with the shipment. On ocean exports, upon request, Company shall provide a detailed breakout of the components of all charges assessed and a true copy of each pertinent document relating to these charges. In any referral for collection or action against Customer for monies due Company, upon recovery by Company, Customer shall pay the expenses of collection and/or litigation, including a reasonable attorney fee.

28. Severability. In the event any Paragraph(s) and/or portion(s) hereof is found to be invalid and/or unenforceable, then in such event the remainder hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

29. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue. These terms and conditions of service and the relationship of the parties shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Florida without giving consideration to principals of conflict of law. Customer and Company (a) irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court and the State courts of Florida; (b) agree that any action relating to the services performed by Company, shall only be brought in said courts; (c) consent to the exercise of in personam jurisdiction by said courts over it, and (d) further agree that any action to enforce a judgment may be instituted in any jurisdiction.

If you have any questions regarding these terms and conditions please, contact us at info@overseasfwd.com.