TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Green Light Auto Transport

(FMC #027243NF)

1. PARTIES AND ACCEPTANCE

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all services provided by Green Light Auto Transport (“GLAT,” “Company”) to the Merchant. “Merchant” includes the shipper, consignee, owner of the Goods, booking party, and any party with an interest in the Goods.
 

Acceptance occurs upon any of the following:

• Requesting a quote
• Submitting booking instructions
• Tendering cargo
• Uploading documents
• Making or receiving payment
• Accessing GLAT systems
• Authorizing GLAT to act

No signature is required. Use of services constitutes binding acceptance.

2. DUAL CAPACITY – NVOCC AND OCEAN FREIGHT FORWARDER

GLAT is licensed as both:

• A Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), and
• An Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF).

GLAT’s role in any transaction depends on the nature of the services performed and the transport document issued.
 

 

2.1 When Acting as Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF)

GLAT acts solely as agent for the Merchant when:

• Booking transportation under an ocean carrier’s Bill of Lading;
• Not issuing its own Bill of Lading;
• Arranging carriage on behalf of the Merchant.

In such cases:

• The ocean carrier is the sole carrier.
• The carrier’s Bill of Lading governs the transportation.
• Merchant agrees to be bound by the ocean carrier’s terms.

GLAT does not assume carrier liability when acting solely as OFF.

2.2 When Acting as NVOCC

GLAT acts as NVOCC and contracting carrier when it:

• Contracts with ocean carriers in its own name,
• Collects ocean freight as principal,
• Appears as shipper on the Master Bill of Lading,
• Or otherwise undertakes carriage responsibility.

When acting as NVOCC, GLAT’s liability shall be governed by COGSA and these Terms.

3. APPLICATION OF COGSA

When acting as NVOCC, the United States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA), 46 U.S.C. §30701 note, applies:

• From receipt of the Goods to delivery,
• Including periods before loading and after discharge,
• Whether or not COGSA would otherwise apply compulsorily.

Liability is limited to USD $500 per package or customary freight unit unless a higher value is declared in writing and applicable freight is paid.

 

4. LIABILITY WHEN ACTING AS OFF

When acting solely as Ocean Freight Forwarder:

• GLAT shall not be liable for acts or omissions of carriers, terminals, customs authorities, or subcontractors.
• GLAT shall not be liable for loss, damage, delay, or mis-delivery of Goods.
• GLAT’s liability, if any, is limited to the lesser of:
  • USD $500 per shipment; or
  • The total service fees earned by GLAT on that shipment.
• GLAT shall not be liable for consequential, special, indirect, or lost-profit damages.

5. MERCHANT WARRANTIES

Merchant warrants:

• Accuracy of all documentation and declarations;
• Compliance with export and import laws;
• Proper hazardous disclosure;
• Payment of all freight and charges within due time on the invoice.

Merchant indemnifies and holds GLAT harmless from all claims, fines, penalties, and expenses arising from inaccurate or incomplete information.

6. DEMURRAGE, DETENTION, AND CHARGES

Merchant is solely responsible for all:

• Ocean freight
• Demurrage
• Detention
• Terminal storage
• Chassis charges
• Congestion surcharges
• Customs fines
• Warehouse charges

Any payment advanced by GLAT is immediately reimbursable.

Direct payments to carriers do not reduce amounts owed to GLAT.

7. PAYMENT TERMS

Invoices are due Net 10 days.

Merchant may not withhold, offset, or delay payment due to disputes.

Late payments incur:

• $100 late fee per each 7-day period
• Interest at the maximum lawful rate
• All collection costs and attorneys’ fees

8. GENERAL LIEN

GLAT shall have a general and continuing lien on Goods and related documents for:

• All unpaid charges relating to current and prior shipments,
• Advances,
• Storage,
• Legal fees and enforcement costs.

If payment is not made within ten (10) days after written demand, GLAT may:

• Store Goods at Merchant’s risk and expense,
• Sell Goods at public or private sale without further notice,
• Apply proceeds to outstanding balances.

Merchant remains liable for any deficiency.

9. RELEASE OF CARGO

Release of cargo by ocean carrier, terminal, port, or customs authority shall not create liability for GLAT.

When GLAT appears as shipper on a Master Bill of Lading, Merchant remains responsible for all carrier charges and indemnifies GLAT for any carrier claims.

 

10. INSURANCE

GLAT does not provide cargo insurance.

Insurance must be requested in writing prior to shipment and confirmed in writing by GLAT.

Failure to request insurance constitutes assumption of risk by Merchant.

11. FORCE MAJEURE

GLAT shall not be liable for delays or non-performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including:

• Strikes
• Port congestion
• Government actions
• Cyber incidents
• Pandemics
• Acts of war or terrorism

12. CLAIM NOTICE

Written notice of claim must be provided within seven (7) days of the event.

Failure to provide timely notice constitutes waiver to the extent permitted by law.

13. ARBITRATION

All disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Florida, USA.

Merchant waives the right to jury trial and court litigation, except to enforce arbitration awards.

Judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

14. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by:

• U.S. maritime law, including COGSA where applicable;
• The laws of the State of Florida.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms, together with applicable tariffs and Bills of Lading, constitute the entire agreement between the parties.