London Lorry Courier Conditions of Carriage

Last Updated: May 2025

This page summarises the terms under which London Lorry Courier ("LLC", "we", "us") provides courier and transport services. By engaging our services, you ("Customer", "you") agree to these Conditions. Full document provided with payment invoice. LLC is not a common carrier.

Key Definitions:

  • Exempt Products: High-value items (e.g., bullion, money, jewellery) generally excluded from standard carriage and liability.
  • Dangerous Goods: Hazardous items requiring explicit approval and specific handling.
  • Consignment: Goods carried in a single load from one UK address to another.
  • Proof of Delivery (POD): Record confirming delivery (photo and/or signature).
  • Owner's Risk: Goods held where LLC is not liable for loss, damage, or delay, including negligence.

2. Basis of Contract: Services are provided strictly under these Conditions. No alterations are binding unless in writing and signed by an authorised LLC representative.

3. Services: LLC collects, transports, and delivers with reasonable care and skill. Collection/delivery times are estimates, not guaranteed. LLC can refuse or suspend services for unsafe, unsuitable, or non-compliant Consignments.

4. Customer's Responsibilities, Loading & Offloading:

  1. Accuracy: Provide accurate Consignment details, weight, and dimensions.
  2. Readiness: Ensure Consignment is ready for collection at the agreed time/location. Delays may incur charges.
  3. Site Safety & Accessibility: Ensure collection/delivery points are safe and accessible.
  4. Loading/Offloading (Primary Responsibility): The Customer is solely responsible for safe, efficient, and timely loading onto and offloading from LLC's vehicle, providing all necessary labour/equipment.
  5. Driver Assistance: Any assistance by LLC drivers is at their sole discretion, purely goodwill, and solely at the Customer's risk. It does not transfer liability to LLC.
  6. Delays/Waiting Time: Additional fees (£100 + VAT/hour) apply for delays beyond a 15-minute grace period caused by Customer.
  7. Weight/Capacity: Consignments must not exceed declared limits or vehicle payload. LLC can refuse oversized/overweight items without refund.
  8. Damage/Indemnity: Customer is liable for any damage to LLC's vehicle/equipment or injury to personnel during loading/offloading performed by Customer or assisted by LLC, except for LLC's gross negligence. Customer indemnifies LLC against related claims.
  9. Site & Access Conditions: Customer must inform LLC of any height/weight restrictions, road closures, or access limitations. Failure to do so, leading to delays or costs (e.g., fines), is at Customer's expense. Customer must ensure basic health and safety at sites and indemnifies LLC for issues arising from inadequate conditions.

5. Consignment Requirements:

  • Packaging/Labelling: Consignments must be securely packed and clearly labelled. LLC is not liable for damage due to inadequate packaging.
  • Dangerous Goods: Require precise written identification and explicit approval from LLC, incurring additional charges. Customer indemnifies LLC for undeclared/improperly packaged dangerous goods.
  • Prohibited Items: Strictly prohibited items include (but are not limited to) human beings, illegal goods, firearms, live animals, cash, high-value precious items, and pornography. LLC may inspect, refuse carriage, return, or dispose of prohibited items without liability.

6. Delivery:

  • Proof of Delivery (POD): Delivery is deemed complete upon obtaining a POD (photographic record, signature, or electronic confirmation).
  • Visible Damage/Loss: Must be explicitly noted on POD at time of delivery, or claims may be rejected.
  • Alternative Recipient: LLC may deliver to an alternative person at the Delivery Point with apparent authority.
  • Failed Deliveries (Customer-side): If Consignment cannot be delivered or returned due to customer-side issues, LLC may dispose of it after 10 working days with 48 hours' notice, deducting outstanding charges

Failed Deliveries (Carrier/External Factors): If delivery fails/delays due to reasons like:

  • Vehicle breakdown
  • Driver illness/incapacity
  • Road closures/diversions
  • Adverse weather
  • Overrun driving hours
  • DVSA enforcement/authority detainment (not due to LLC's gross negligence)
  • Industrial action, acts of terrorism/civil unrest.

LLC will notify the customer and take reasonable mitigation steps. Original charges remain payable, and re-delivery attempts or storage may incur additional charges unless due to LLC's gross negligence. LLC is not liable for consequential loss (e.g., loss of profit) arising from such delays.

7. Charges & Payment:

  • Quotes: Based on time, weight, dimensions, service type, and distance.
  • Payment Terms: Due by date on invoice. Failure to pay on time may result in cancellation of services with no notice provided.
  • Surcharges: Applied for waiting time (beyond 15-min grace), re-delivery attempts, storage, incorrect consignment details, tolls.
  • Payment Dispute/Chargeback Policy: Customers must contact LLC (info@londonlorrycourier.co.uk) for disputes. Unwarranted chargebacks may incur a £75 + VAT administrative fee, and LLC may pursue recovery and suspend services.
  • Cancellations: 7 day cancellation notice for a 75% refund. No refunds if driver is en route or on-site.

8. Liability for Loss or Damage:

  • Limited Liability:
  • UK Road: Lesser of actual value or £9.00 per kg on gross weight lost/damaged, maximum £60,000 per Consignment.
  • International Road (CMR): Approx. £8.85 per kg (8.33 SDR, fluctuates daily).

Exclusions: LLC is not liable for:

  • Loss/damage to Prohibited Items or those with inadequate packaging.
  • Consequential loss (e.g., loss of profit, business).
  • Loss/damage to Exempt Products unless special insurance arranged.
  • Loss/damage due to inherent vice, marine risk, or Force Majeure.
  • Claims not complying with procedure.
  • Errors by Customer/owner, insufficient labelling, or fraud.

Insurance: Customers are strongly advised to arrange comprehensive insurance, especially for high-value items.

9. Claims Procedure:

  • In Writing: All claims for loss/damage must be made to LLC within 5 days of delivery or expected delivery.
  • Required Documentation: Must include booking reference, full details of loss/damage, value evidence (invoices), photographic evidence of damage, and proof that LLC caused the loss/damage.
  • Failure to Comply: May result in claim rejection.
  • Inspection: LLC reserves the right to inspect damaged Consignments.
  • Time Limit: LLC discharged from liability if claim not referred to mediation or legal proceedings not commenced within one year of delivery (or collection if no delivery).

10. Detention of Carrier's Equipment: Customer reimburses LLC for costs due to improper/excessive detention of LLC equipment, except for LLC's gross negligence. Contact us with any questions.