What are the consequences of a violation of the freight law?
December 15, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Konrad Falk
Dear lawyer,
My name is Ulrike Hoffmann and I work as a freight forwarding business owner. Lately, I have noticed that unfortunately not all of my employees always comply with the regulations of freight law. This is causing me great concern, as I fear not only for the reputation of my company, but also for possible legal consequences.
The current situation is that I have already received several complaints from customers who are complaining about delayed deliveries or damaged goods. Upon further investigation, I have found that some of my employees have violated freight law, whether it be through overloaded trucks, improperly declared cargo, or improperly secured loads.
Now I am wondering what consequences a violation of freight law can have, both for my company and for me personally as a freight forwarding business owner. Are there financial penalties or compensation claims that I must expect? Could my company potentially even lose the license to carry out transports in the worst case scenario?
I am very concerned about the future of my company and I want to make sure that we are all complying with the regulations of freight law correctly. What possible solutions are there to avoid future violations, and how can I protect my company from the consequences of such a violation?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Ulrike Hoffmann
Dear Mrs. Hoffmann,
I understand your concerns and would like to help you in order to protect your company from potential legal consequences. A violation of freight law can indeed have serious consequences, both financially and in terms of the reputation of your company.
Firstly, a violation of freight law can lead to financial penalties. Depending on the type and severity of the violation, fines may be imposed which can burden your company and affect the profitability of your transport services. Furthermore, customers may claim damages if their goods are damaged due to a violation. These payments can also be significant and financially burden your company.
Furthermore, there is a risk of your company losing the license to carry out transports if violations of freight law occur repeatedly or are particularly serious. This can result in your company no longer being able to participate in the transport market and thus suffering significant economic losses.
To prevent future violations and protect your company, it is important that you and your employees comply with all regulations of freight law. Training and regular reviews of transport processes can help raise awareness among your employees and ensure compliance with the regulations. Additionally, you should implement internal control mechanisms to detect violations early and respond accordingly.
It may also be helpful to work with a specialized lawyer in transport and freight law to ensure that your company is legally protected and can respond appropriately in case of a violation. An experienced lawyer can help you identify potential risks and take suitable measures to protect your company.
I hope that this information is helpful and supports you in protecting your company from the consequences of violating freight law. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Konrad Falk
Lawyer specializing in transport and freight law
