Carrier Agreement

This Carrier Agreement is between Load Connect Inc., an Alberta-based company ("LoadConnect"), and the motor carrier accepting it ("Carrier"). It applies in addition to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct.

1. Independent contractor

Carrier is, and at all times remains, an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint-venture relationship between Carrier and LoadConnect. Carrier is solely responsible for its own employees, agents, equipment, and subcontractors.

2. Required credentials

Before bidding on any load, Carrier must provide and keep current:

• A valid NSC (National Safety Code) number and the appropriate provincial operating authority for every province in which Carrier operates (e.g. Alberta TSB registration, BC NSC, Saskatchewan / Manitoba safety fitness certificates, CVOR in Ontario);
• For cross-border movements: a valid US DOT number and MC number;
• Commercial cargo insurance with a minimum limit of CAD $100,000 per load (higher for high-value freight);
• Commercial automobile liability insurance with a minimum combined single limit of CAD $2,000,000;
• Current WCB clearance certificate from the workers' compensation board of Carrier's home province (WCB-Alberta, WorkSafeBC, WCB Saskatchewan / Manitoba, WSIB Ontario, CNESST Quebec, etc.);
• Driver's licences of the appropriate class for all operators.

Carrier authorizes LoadConnect to verify these credentials with public registries (e.g. FMCSA SAFER, provincial transport ministries) and with Carrier's insurer.

3. Suspension on expired credentials

If any required document expires or is cancelled, Carrier's bidding privileges are automatically suspended until valid replacement documentation is uploaded and verified.

4. Performance of services

Carrier agrees to:

• Perform all transportation in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Transport Act, applicable provincial transport regulations, hours-of-service rules, and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act;
• Use equipment that is roadworthy, properly registered, and appropriate for the cargo;
• Provide proof of pickup and delivery (POD) photos via the Platform when requested;
• Mark each load delivered through the Platform within 12 hours of completion;
• Not subcontract a booked load to a third party without the Shipper's prior written consent.

5. Liability for cargo

Carrier accepts liability for loss of, or damage to, freight in its care, custody, or control to the extent provided by applicable provincial bills-of-lading regulations and Carrier's insurance policy. LoadConnect is not liable for cargo loss, damage, or delay; Shipper's recourse is against Carrier and Carrier's insurer.

6. Payment and the LoadConnect service fee

The Shipper pays the agreed load amount into escrow at the time of booking. LoadConnect retains a service fee of 5% of the load amount, plus applicable payment-processing costs, and remits the balance to Carrier 24 hours after Carrier marks the load delivered, unless Shipper has opened a dispute within that 24-hour window.

If a dispute is opened, escrow funds remain held until the dispute is resolved. Carrier authorizes LoadConnect to release, partially release, or refund escrow funds based on the outcome of mediation.

7. Non-circumvention

For 12 months after a connection between Shipper and Carrier was first made through the Platform, Carrier will not solicit or accept loads directly from that Shipper outside the Platform with the intent to avoid the LoadConnect service fee. Repeat off-platform business that was not introduced by LoadConnect is permitted.

8. Indemnity

Carrier will indemnify and hold harmless LoadConnect, its directors, officers, employees, and agents from any claim, loss, liability, fine, penalty, or expense (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of (a) Carrier's performance or non-performance under this Agreement, (b) cargo loss, damage, or delay, (c) any accident, injury, or property damage caused by Carrier's equipment or personnel, or (d) Carrier's breach of any law or regulation.

9. Suspension and termination

LoadConnect may suspend or terminate Carrier's account at any time, with or without cause, including for credential expiry, repeated complaints, fraud, or violation of the Code of Conduct or these Terms. Sections 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination.

10. Governing law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable in Alberta. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Calgary, Alberta.

11. Acceptance

Carrier accepts this Agreement by checking the acceptance box during onboarding or by submitting any bid through the Platform.