How can I as a freight forwarder proceed against revocable transport orders?
December 27, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Xenia Lahn
Dear Lawyer,
My name is Erik Niemeyer and I work as a freight forwarder. Lately, I have been experiencing an increasing number of issues with revocable transport orders that are cancelled by my customers. This not only results in financial losses for my company, but also leads to unclear planning of my transport capacities.
The situation is as follows: My customers give me transport orders, which they can withdraw at short notice. This incurs costs for already planned routes that I can no longer utilize elsewhere. This causes shortages in my transport operations and hampers the efficiency of my company.
My concern is how I, as a freight forwarder, can defend myself against these revocable transport orders. Are there legal options available to protect myself against such cancellations? What measures can I take to safeguard my interests as a freight forwarder and at the same time maintain a good relationship with my customers?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with possible solutions to address these revocable transport orders. I urgently need legal advice to better safeguard my transport business and avoid potential financial losses.
Thank you in advance for your support and guidance.
Kind regards,
Erik Niemeyer
Dear Mr. Niemeyer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the issues with revocable transport orders in your company. It is understandable that these cancellations not only cause financial losses, but also affect your transport capacities and jeopardize the efficiency of your operations.
To protect yourself as a carrier against these revocable transport orders, there are various legal options that you can consider. Firstly, it is important to carefully review the contracts with your customers and, if necessary, include clauses that make cancellations more difficult or come with financial consequences. These clauses should be clearly and unambiguously formulated to avoid misunderstandings.
Furthermore, you could set a cancellation deadline in your contracts, within which your customers cannot revoke the transport order. This deadline should be reasonable and take into account both your interests and the needs of your customers. By implementing such a rule, you can protect yourself against last-minute cancellations and increase your planning security.
Additionally, you may consider taking out insurance to protect yourself against financial losses from cancellations. There are specialized transport insurances that can also cover cancellations, thereby minimizing your business risks.
To maintain a good relationship with your customers, it is important to be transparent and communicative. Explain to your customers the reasons for your actions and work together to find solutions that are acceptable to both parties. Open and trusting communication can help avoid conflicts and build long-term business relationships.
Overall, it is advisable to seek legal advice in a timely manner and review your contracts and business practices to effectively safeguard yourself as a carrier against revocable transport orders. I am happy to provide further consultation and support you in creating legally secure contracts.
Best regards,
Xenia Lahn, Lawyer specializing in transport and logistics law.
