What responsibilities do I have as a principal in transport and freight law?
May 31, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Maier
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because as a client in transportation and logistics law, I am unsure about the responsibilities I carry. I recently assigned a transportation contract to a freight forwarding company and I am not sure what duties and tasks come with it.
Here is the situation: I have ordered goods that are now supposed to be transported from the manufacturer to me. The transportation is being carried out by a freight forwarding company that I have hired. So far, I have mainly focused on selecting a reliable carrier and signing the transportation contract. However, I am now wondering what specific responsibilities I carry as the client and what risks are involved.
My concerns are that I may have to face legal consequences if something goes wrong during the transportation or if the goods are damaged. I want to make sure that I fulfill my duties as the client and avoid any legal issues.
Therefore, my question to you is: What specific responsibilities do I have as the client in transportation and logistics law? What risks do I carry and how can I protect myself? Are there any specific measures I should take to fulfill my legal obligations and minimize potential liability risks?
I look forward to your expert advice and thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Jessica Hentschel
Dear Mrs. Hentschel,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your responsibilities as a principal in transport and forwarding law. It is important to be aware of the duties you carry as a principal and how you can protect yourself against potential risks.
As a principal in transport and forwarding law, you have a number of responsibilities that arise from the transport contract. Firstly, you are responsible for timely and proper delivery of the goods to the carrier. You must ensure that the goods are properly packaged and all necessary documents are available.
Additionally, as a principal, you are responsible for bearing the agreed transport costs and ensuring that they are paid on time. You must also inform the carrier of all relevant information regarding the goods to be transported to ensure smooth transport.
Regarding potential risks during transport, as a principal, you bear the risk of accidental loss or damage to the goods unless otherwise agreed in the transport contract. Therefore, it is advisable to protect yourself against these risks by, for example, taking out transport insurance. This insurance can financially protect you in case of damage to the goods during transport.
To fulfill your legal obligations as a principal and minimize liability risks, it is important to ensure that the transport contract is clear and unambiguous. It should include all relevant information about the transport, such as delivery time, liability exclusions, and insurance conditions. It is also advisable to regularly review the services of the carrier and insist on contract adjustments if necessary.
In summary, it is important for you as a principal in transport and forwarding law to know your responsibilities and protect yourself against potential risks. Careful planning and clear communication with the carrier can help avoid legal issues.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Leonie Maier
Attorney specializing in transport and forwarding law
