Shipper Agreement

This Shipper Agreement is between Load Connect Inc., an Alberta-based company ("LoadConnect"), and the person or business posting freight on the Platform ("Shipper"). It applies in addition to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct.

1. Accurate load information

Shipper warrants that each load posted is described accurately, including origin, destination, weight, dimensions, value, cargo type, and any special handling requirements. Misrepresentations may invalidate insurance coverage and entitle the Carrier to refuse the load, charge re-rate fees, or recover demurrage.

2. Dangerous goods

Cargo regulated under the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDG) must be clearly identified at the time of posting, with proper TDG documentation and classification. Shippers are responsible for ensuring the booked Carrier holds the appropriate qualifications and equipment.

3. Prohibited cargo

Shipper will not post loads containing illegal goods, controlled substances outside a licensed framework, weapons (other than those movable under federal licence), live animals (unless using a livestock-qualified carrier), human remains (without proper documentation), or any item prohibited by applicable law.

4. Payment and escrow

When Shipper accepts a Carrier's bid, the agreed load amount plus the LoadConnect service fee and applicable taxes is charged to Shipper's payment method via Stripe and held in escrow. Funds are released to the Carrier 24 hours after the Carrier marks the load delivered, unless Shipper opens a dispute within that 24-hour window.

Failed payments will result in cancellation of the booking. Repeated payment failures may lead to suspension of the Shipper's account.

5. Pickup readiness

Shipper will have the cargo ready for pickup within the agreed window. Demurrage and dry-run charges caused by Shipper delay are payable to the Carrier and may be added to the final invoice.

6. Disputes and claims

Shipper must inspect cargo at delivery and raise any dispute through the Platform within 24 hours of the Carrier marking the load delivered. After that window, escrow funds are released and Shipper's recourse is directly against the Carrier and the Carrier's insurer.

LoadConnect will mediate disputes in good faith but is not a party to the transportation contract and does not adjudicate cargo claims.

7. Non-circumvention

For 12 months after a connection with a Carrier was first made through the Platform, Shipper will not engage that Carrier off-platform with the intent to avoid the LoadConnect service fee. Pre-existing relationships and unrelated future business are unaffected.

8. Limitation of LoadConnect's role

LoadConnect is a marketplace platform. The transportation contract is directly between Shipper and Carrier. LoadConnect does not warrant Carrier performance, insurance sufficiency, equipment condition, or transit times.

9. Indemnity

Shipper will indemnify and hold harmless LoadConnect from any claim, loss, fine, or expense arising out of inaccurate cargo descriptions, undisclosed dangerous goods, prohibited cargo, or Shipper's breach of any law.

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.