WCS International Inc. 

Terms & Conditions of Service 

These terms and conditions of service constitute a legally binding contract between the “Company” and the “Customer”. In the event the Company renders services and issues a document containing Terms and Conditions governing such services, the Terms and Conditions set forth in such other document(s) shall govern those services.  

1.  Definitions.  

(a) “Company” shall mean WCS International Inc., dba World Class Shipping, its subsidiaries, related companies, agents and/or representatives;  

(b) “Customer” shall mean the person for which the Company is rendering service, as well as its principals, agents and/or representatives, including, but not limited to, shippers, shipper affiliates, importers, exporters, carriers, secured parties, warehousemen, buyers and/or sellers, shipper’s agents, insurers and underwriters, break-bulk agents, consignees, etc. It is the responsibility of Customer to provide notice and copy(s) of these terms and conditions of service to all such agents or representatives;  

(c) “Documentation” shall mean all information received directly or indirectly from Customer, whether in paper or electronic form;  

(d) “Ocean Transportation Intermediaries” (“OTI”) shall include an “ocean freight forwarder” and a “non-vessel operating carrier”;  

(e) “Third parties” shall include, but not be limited to, the following: “carriers, truckmen, cartmen, lightermen, forwarders, OTIs, customs brokers, agents, warehousemen and others to which the goods are entrusted for transportation, cartage, handling and/or delivery and/or storage or otherwise”.  

1. Company as Agent.  

Company acts as the “agent” of Customer for the purpose of performing duties in connection with the entry and release of goods, post entry services, the securing of export licenses, the filing of export and security documentation on behalf of Customer and other dealings with Government Agencies, or for arranging for transportation services, both domestically and internationally, or other logistics services in any capacity other than as a carrier.  

1. Limitations of Actions.  

(a) Unless subject to a specific statute or international convention, all claims against the Company for a potential or actual loss, must be made in writing and received by the   

Company, within 90 days of the event giving rise to claim; the failure to give the Company timely notice shall be a complete defense to any suit or action commenced by Customer. (b) All suits against Company must be filed and properly served on Company as follows: (i) For claims arising out of ocean transportation, within one (1) year from the date of the loss;  

(ii) For claims arising out of brokering domestic motor carrier transportation, within one (1) year from the date of loss;   

(iii) For claims arising out of air transportation, within two (2) years from the date of the loss;  

(iv) For claims arising out of the preparation and/or submission of an import entry(s), within 150 days from the date of liquidation of the entry(s); 

(v) For any and all other claims of any other type, within one (1) year from the date of the loss or damage.  

1. No Liability for The Selection or Services of Third Parties and/or Routes.  

Unless services are performed by persons or firms engaged pursuant to express written instructions from  Customer, Company shall use reasonable care in its selection of third parties, or in selecting the means,  route and procedure to be followed in the handling, transportation, clearance, and delivery of the  shipment; advice by Company that a particular person or firm has been selected to render services with  respect to the goods, shall not be construed to mean that Company warrants or represents that such  person or firm will render such services nor does Company assume responsibility or liability for any  actions(s) and/or inaction(s) of such third parties and/or its agents, and shall not be liable for any delay  or loss of any kind, which occurs while a shipment is in the custody or control of a third party or the  agent of a third party; all claims in connection with the Act of a third party shall be brought solely  against such party and/or its agents; in connection with any such claim, Company shall reasonably  cooperate with Customer, which shall be liable for any charges or costs incurred by Company.  

1. Quotations Not Binding.  

Quotations as to fees, rates of duty, freight charges, insurance premiums or other charges given by  Company to Customer are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice; no  quotation shall be binding upon Company unless Company in writing agrees to undertake the handling  or transportation of the shipment at a specific rate or amount set forth in the quotation and payment arrangements are agreed to between Company and Customer.  

1. Reliance on Information Furnished.  

(a) Customer acknowledges that it is required to review all documents and declarations prepared and/or filed with U.S. Customs & Border Protection, other Government Agency and/or third parties, and will immediately advise the Company of any errors, discrepancies, incorrect statements, or omissions on any declaration or other submission filed on Customers behalf;  

(b) In preparing and submitting customs entries, export declarations, applications, security filings,  documentation, delivery orders and/or other required data, the Company relies on the  correctness of all documentation, whether in written or electronic format, and all information  furnished by Customer; Customer shall use reasonable care to ensure the correctness of all  such information and shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any and all claims  asserted and/or liability or losses suffered by reason of the Customer’s failure to disclose  information or any incorrect, incomplete or false statement by the Customer or its agent,  representative or contractor upon which the Company reasonably relied. Customer agrees that Customer has an affirmative non-delegable duty to disclose any and all information required to import, export or enter the goods.  

(c) Customer acknowledges that it is required to provide verified weights obtained on calibrated, certified equipment of all cargo that is to be tendered to steamship lines and represents that Company is entitled to rely on the accuracy of such weights and to countersign or endorse it as agent of Customer in order to provide the certified weight to the steamship lines. The Customer agrees that it shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any and all claims, losses, penalties, or other costs resulting from any incorrect or questionable statements of the weight provided by the Customer or its agent or contractor on which the Company relies.  

(d) Customer acknowledges that it is required to advise Company in advance of its intention to  

tender hazardous material goods and that it will otherwise comply with all federal and international hazardous material regulations.  

1. Declaring Higher Value to Third Parties.  

Third parties to whom the goods are entrusted may limit liability for loss or damage; Company will  request excess valuation coverage only upon specific written instructions from Customer, which must  agree to pay any charges therefore; in the absence of written instructions or the refusal of the third party  to agree to a higher declared value, at Company’s discretion, the goods may be tendered to the third  party, subject to the terms of the third party’s limitations of liability and/or terms and conditions of  service.  

1. Insurance.  

Unless requested to do so in writing and confirmed to Customer in writing, Company is under no obligation to procure insurance on Customer’s behalf; in all cases, Customer shall pay all premiums and  costs in connection with procuring requested insurance.  

1. Disclaimers; Limitation of Liability.  

(a) Except as specifically set forth in these terms and conditions, Company makes no express or implied warranties in connection with its services;  

(b) Customer may obtain insurance coverage for cargo loss or damage, up to the actual or declared value of the shipment or transaction, by requesting such coverage and agreeing to  make payment therefor, which request must be confirmed in writing by the Company prior to  rendering services for the covered transaction(s).  

(c) In all events, the Company’s liability shall be limited to the following:  

(i) where the claim arises from activities other than those relating to customs business, $50.00 per shipment or transaction, or  

(ii) where the claim arises from activities relating to “Customs business,” $50.00 per entry or the amount of brokerage fees paid to Company for the entry, whichever is less;  

(d) In no event shall Company be liable or responsible for consequential, indirect, incidental, statutory, or punitive damages, even if it has been put on notice of the possibility of such damages, or for the acts of third parties.  

(e) With respect to domestic transportation, Company shall not be liable for a motor carrier’s failure to maintain insurance or for the accuracy of any documentation furnished by a motor carrier to Company or Customer evidencing said coverage.  

1. Advancing Money.  

All charges must be paid by Customer in advance unless Company agrees in writing to extend credit to Customer; the granting of credit to a Customer in connection with a particular transaction shall not be considered a waiver of this provision by Company.  

1. Indemnification/Hold Harmless.  

Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Company harmless from any claims and/or liability,  fines, penalties and/or attorneys’ fees arising from the importation or exportation of customers  merchandise and/or any conduct of Customer, including but not limited to the inaccuracy of entry,  export or security data supplied by Customer or its agent or representative, which violates any Federal,  State and/or other laws, and further agrees to indemnify and hold Company harmless against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, claims, penalties, fines and/or expenses, including but not limited to  reasonable attorney’s fees, which Company may hereafter incur, suffer or be required to pay by reason  of such claims; in the event that any claim, suit or proceeding is brought against Company, it shall give  notice in writing to Customer by mail at its address on file with Company.  

1. C.O.D. or Cash Collect Shipments.  

Company shall use reasonable care regarding written instructions relating to “Cash/Collect on Deliver (C.O.D.)” shipments, bank drafts, cashier’s and/or certified checks, letter(s) of credit and other similar payment documents and/or instructions regarding collection of monies but shall not have liability if the bank or consignee refuses to pay for the shipment.  

1. Costs of Collection.  

Company is entitled to recover all costs of collections specified herein and pursuant to 49 CFR 377.203.  Customer and shippers agree to pay interest charges that accrue on past due principal at the rate of 1.5% per month plus 25% collection costs added to the principal and accrued interest, plus upon retention of counsel, attorney fees of 25% added to the principal, accrued interest and collection costs. If Company files suit, a 10% suit fee applies. Company is entitled to reimbursement of all court costs. When Company’s payment terms are breached, all charges and costs become immediately due and payable pursuant to “Anticipatory Breach.”  

1. General Lien and Right To Sell Customer’s Property.  

(a) Company shall have a continuing lien on any and all property and documents relating thereto of Customer coming into Company’s actual or constructive possession, custody, or control or enroute, which lien shall survive delivery, for all charges, expenses or advances owed to Company with regard to the shipment on which the lien is claimed, a prior shipment(s) and/or both. Customs duties, transportation charges, and related payments advanced by Company shall be deemed paid in trust on behalf of Customer and treated as pass-through payments made on behalf of Customer for which Company is acting as a mere conduit.  

(b) Company shall provide written notice to Customer of its intent to exercise such lien, the exact amount of monies due and owing, as well as any on -going storage or other charges; Customer shall notify all parties having an interest in its shipment(s) of Company’s rights and/or the exercise of such lien.  

(c) Unless, within thirty days of receiving notice of lien, Customer posts cash or letter of credit at  sight, or, if the amount due is in dispute, an acceptable bond equal to 110% of the value of the  total amount due, in favor of Company, guaranteeing payment of the monies owed, plus all  storage charges accrued or to be accrued, Company shall have the right to sell such  shipment(s) at public or private sale or auction and any net proceeds remaining thereafter shall  be refunded to Customer.  

1. No Duty to Maintain Records For Customer.  

Customer acknowledges that pursuant to Sections 508 and 509 of the Tariff Act, as amended, (19 USC  §1508 and 1509) it has the duty and is solely liable for maintaining all records required under the  Customs and/or other Laws and Regulations of the United States; unless otherwise agreed to in writing,  Company shall only keep such records that it is required to maintain by Statute(s) and/or Regulation(s),  but not act as a “recordkeeper” or “recordkeeping agent” for Customer. 

1. Obtaining Binding Rulings, Filing Protests, etc.  

Unless requested by Customer in writing and agreed to by Company in writing, Company shall be under no obligation to undertake any pre- or post-Customs release action, including, but not limited to, obtaining binding rulings, advising of liquidations, filing of petition(s) and/or protests, etc.  

1. No Duty To Provide Licensing Authority  

Unless requested by Customer in writing and agreed to by the Company in writing, Company shall not be responsible for determining licensing authority or obtaining any license or other authority pertaining to the export from or import into the United States.  

1. Preparation and Issuance of Bills of Lading.  

Where Company prepares and/or issues a bill of lading, Company shall be under no obligation to specify thereon the number of pieces, packages and/or cartons, etc.; unless specifically requested to do so in writing by Customer or its agent and Customer agrees to pay for same, Company shall rely upon and use the cargo weight supplied by Customer.  

1. No Modification or Amendment Unless Written.  

These terms and conditions of service may only be modified, altered, or amended in writing signed by both Customer and Company; any attempt to unilaterally modify, alter or amend same shall be null and void.  

1. Compensation of Company.  

The compensation of Company for its services shall be included with and is in addition to the rates and charges of all carriers and other agencies selected by Company to transport and deal with the goods and such compensation shall be exclusive of any brokerage, commissions, dividends, or other revenue received by Company from carriers, insurers, and others in connection with the shipment. On ocean exports, upon request, Company shall provide a detailed breakout of the components of all charges assessed and a true copy of each pertinent document relating to these charges. In any referral for collection or action against Customer for monies due Company, upon recovery by Company, Customer shall pay the expenses of collection and/or litigation, including a reasonable attorney fee.  

1. Force Majeure.  

Company shall not be liable for losses, damages, delays, wrongful or missed  deliveries or nonperformance, in whole or in part, of its responsibilities under the Agreement, resulting  from circumstances beyond the control of either Company or its sub-contractors, including but not  limited to: (i) acts of God, including flood, earthquake, tornado, storm, hurricane, power failure,  epidemic or other severe health crisis, or other natural disaster; (ii) war, hijacking, robbery, theft or  terrorist activities; (iii) incidents or deteriorations to means of transportation, (iv) embargoes, (v) civil  commotions or riots, (vi) defects, nature or inherent vice of the goods; (vii) acts, breaches of contract or  omissions by Customer, Shipper, Consignee or anyone else who may have an interest in the shipment,  (viii) acts by any government or any agency or subdivision thereof, including denial or cancellation of  any import/export or other necessary license; or (ix) strikes, lockouts or other labor conflicts. In such event, the Company reserves the right to amend any tariff or negotiated freight or logistics rates, on one day’s notice, as necessary to provide the requested service.  

1. Severability.  

In the event any Paragraph(s) and/or portion(s) hereof is found to be invalid and/or unenforceable, then in such event the remainder hereof shall remain in Full force and effect. The company’s decision to waive any provision herein, either by conduct or otherwise, shall not be deemed to be a further or continuing waiver of such provision or to otherwise waive or invalidate any other provision herein.  

1. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  

These terms and conditions of service, and the relationship of the parties shall be construed under the United States Federal Code, 49 and under 49 USC § 14706, proper jurisdiction is State or Federal District Court.  

1. Intermodal Equipment Including Containers.  

It is the Customer’s responsibility to monitor, track, unload freight and dispatch the carrier to return intermodal interchange equipment prior to the expiration of the free period. Customer is liable for the Company’s reimbursement to the Carrier for any intermodal equipment or facility operator assessed fees or damages. Customer accepts the Terms & Conditions of the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA).  

1. Intermodal Equipment Use. 

“Equipment” means equipment that is commonly used in the transport of intermodal freight, including trailers, chassis, containers.  

“Provider” is the party authorizing delivery and/or receipt of physical possession of its equipment with a carrier.   

“Customer” means shippers, shipper agents, shipper brokers, affiliates including shipper parent, entities, and subsidiaries. A customer is any beneficiary of transported freight. The shippers are the parties that use the Equipment for freight. Carriers only transport on behalf of shippers.   

The transport carrier is responsible to the provider for charges in the event the shipper fails to complete a move of equipment during the free time. The customer/shipper is liable for repayment to the transport carrier/company for all such charges without offset. Shipper customer assumes all risks of Provider assessed equipment charges.   

A carrier shall return the equipment to the physical location at which the equipment was received, unless the Provider, in writing, directs the equipment to be returned to another location.   

Free days, per diem, container use, storage, demurrage charges, and the interchange of equipment is on a provider compensation basis, and the provider may permit some period of uncompensated use, aka free days, and thereafter impose per diem or demurrage charges. The provider shall invoice the transport carrier for per diem container use, chassis use, and demurrage charges within 60 days from the date on which the equipment was returned to provider by the motor carrier. If the transport carrier is not invoiced within the established 60-day timeframe, the right of the Provider to recover such charges will be lost.   

Shippers and shipper agents are liable for all reimbursement to the transport carrier that includes a freight forwarder, pursuant to 49 USC 13102(3) for all demurrage, custom charges, penalties, and per diem charges assessed by the Provider. The shipper and shipper agents assume all of the risks associated with moving Equipment. The importer shipper is liable for all record keeping and must always be aware of equipment location.   

Equipment and freight is moved by a written order, including an electronic format or fax, text, or emails from shippers that require acknowledgements by the carrier/freight forwarder; otherwise, the order has not been received.  If a motor carrier is dispatched and the truck is not used for any reason, then a TONU charge (truck ordered, not used) applies.   

Equipment providers follow the industry standards and practices adopted by the (UIIA) Uniform International Intermodal Access agreement. Past freight history suggests that at any time there can be nationwide or international congestion caused by dock strikes, terminal storage, stevedores, tractor/trailer breakdowns, warehouse loading/unloading delays, unavailable warehouse space, or equipment and labor shortages. The carrier /freight forwarder is not responsible for any related or accessorial expenses of equipment use. All schedules are best effort estimates.   

Equipment moved freight is “shipper, weight, load and count”. The risks of using Equipment owned by Providers is the sole responsibility of shippers, except for safety and insurance requirements for transport carriers, pursuant to Federal law.   

It is the shipper’s responsibility to properly load and secure freight to the Provider Equipment used. Freight travel must withstand lifting, loading, unloading, and the rigors of transport. All damage claims will be denied unless a damage report is prepared and filed by local authorities, confirming that a tractor trailer or container was involved in a collision. It is understood that it is the shipper’s responsibility to make sure the product is secure within the container and provide proper bracing, etc.   

It is the responsibility of the shippers and shipper agents to know where containers are at all times, including deliveries to warehouses. Shippers can contact Providers at any time to confirm Equipment locations.   

All billed invoices must be paid within terms, without offset, in order to preserve claims of loss or damage, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 370. To contest billed invoices, all must be paid within the credit period without offset, and the shipper must take steps as outlined under 49 USC 13710 to contest any billed invoice.   

At its discretion, a carrier, which includes a freight forwarder, may refuse to pick up any load that may be subject to customs detention and demurrage charges.  

1. Terms and Conditions of Service. 

Pursuant to Federal Tariff Requirements at 49 USC 13710(a)(1), WCS International, Inc. dba World Class Shipping makes available its Terms and Conditions upon any shipper’s request.