Which documents are particularly important in transport and freight law and must be carefully preserved?
August 15, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Maier
Dear Transport and Logistics Law Attorney,
I am Emma Bittner and I have a question regarding the important documents in transport and logistics law. In my company, we are daily confronted with the shipment of goods. It is particularly important for us to carefully store all relevant documents in order to be well prepared in case of problems or disputes.
Currently, we are keeping a variety of documents such as waybills, delivery notes, invoices, insurance policies, and contracts with carriers. However, I wonder if there are any other important documents that we should consider in order to be able to present all necessary documentation in case of a legal dispute or inspection.
My concerns are that we may overlook important documents or store them incompletely. This could potentially lead to legal problems in serious situations and affect our business operations. Therefore, it is very important for me to manage and securely store all relevant documents correctly.
Could you please explain in detail which documents are particularly important in transport and logistics law and must be carefully stored? Are there any specific regulations or recommendations that we should follow to be legally protected? I would greatly appreciate your support and advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
Emma Bittner
Dear Mrs. Bittner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the important documents in transport and forwarding law. It is understandable that you are concerned about the correct management and storage of these documents, as they are of great importance in case of legal problems.
Among the essential documents that play a key role in transport and forwarding law are indeed consignment notes, delivery notes, invoices, insurance policies, and contracts with carriers. These documents are crucial for documenting the supply chain comprehensively and for clearly establishing responsibilities in case of disputes or issues.
Furthermore, you should also carefully keep other essential documents such as transport insurance policies, customs papers, certificates (e.g. for hazardous goods transport), and any permits for the transport of specific types of goods. These documents may vary depending on the type of goods being transported and the parties involved, but are still of great importance for the legal protection of your company.
It is important that all these documents are properly archived and easily accessible for quick access when needed. It is recommended to maintain a clear and structured filing system to keep track of the multitude of documents. Additionally, you should regularly check if all documents are complete and request any missing documents if necessary.
Regarding specific regulations and recommendations, there are legal frameworks that you should consider. For example, the Commercial Code (HGB) in Germany regulates the storage obligations for commercial documents, which are also relevant for transport and forwarding companies. Furthermore, industry-specific laws and regulations may impose additional requirements on the documentation and archiving of documents.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a specialized lawyer in transport and forwarding law to analyze your individual situation and receive specific recommendations. An experienced lawyer can help you identify any gaps in the documentation and provide valuable tips for the legally secure management of your documents.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and I am available for further questions. Thank you for your trust and I wish you success in managing your documents in transport and forwarding law.
Best regards,
Leonie Maier
Lawyer for Transport and Forwarding Law
