Including clear and well-structured Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) with each quote helps protect your business and ensures transparency for customers. Below are key areas to consider when drafting or updating your quote-specific terms on Truckit.

About You

Provide information about your business or the services you offer, such as:

  • Your experience or areas of expertise

  • The types of transport services you provide

Note: Do not include your company name or any direct contact details.

Cancellation, Futile & Demurrage Fees


Clearly Stated Fees Are Essential

All additional charges—such as cancellation, demurrage, or futile pickup fees—must be clearly outlined in your quote's T&Cs. This means:

  • A specific dollar amount (e.g., $50), or

  • A clear percentage of the transport cost (e.g., 15%)

⚠️ Note: Truckit’s platform fees cannot be included in your charges, as these are refunded to the customer in the event of cancellation.

Vague Fees Cannot Be Enforced

Truckit.net cannot process or enforce any additional fees that were not specified in the original quote at the time of booking.

Phrases like:

  • “Cancellation fees may apply”

  • “Demurrage charges may be incurred”

…are not valid unless supported by specific, detailed conditions and amounts.

Sample Terms & Conditions Template

Note: These are examples only. Always tailor your T&Cs based on the service type (e.g., vehicle transport, general freight, pallets) and consult a business adviser or solicitor for legal advice.

Cancellation Fee Examples

  • Cancellations within 24 hours of pickup: 15% of the booking fee applies.

  • If the truck has been dispatched or arrived: 30% cancellation fee applies.

OR

  • A flat fee of $X applies if the freight is cancelled after confirmation.

Futile Pickup / Demurrage Fee Examples

  • If collection is attempted and cannot be completed through no fault of ours: 15% of the job fee will be charged.

  • Delays exceeding 20 minutes during loading/unloading: $30 per additional 30 minutes (or part thereof).

Packaging Requirements

To ensure safe transport, all goods must meet minimum packaging standards appropriate for the transport type.

Packages/Boxes Transport

  • Items must be boxed.

  • Wrap contents inside the box with bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing peanuts.

Pallet Transport

  • Items must be strapped or shrink-wrapped to a pallet.

  • Heavy items go on the bottom, lighter items on top; do not stack too high to avoid crushing.

  • Wrap several layers of shrink-wrap around the base so the pallet and goods are secured as one unit.

  • Packaging must withstand road or rail transport (including rough terrain) and multiple handling during transit.

Car Transport

  • No personal items allowed inside the vehicle.

  • Personal items in the boot are permitted but must be in boxes, bags or suitcases

Machinery, Engines, Gearboxes or Fuel-Carrying Items

  • Must be thoroughly cleaned or fully wrapped.

  • Must be completely drained of all fluids.


Customise your packaging terms based on what you transport and your equipment.

Express vs Backload Services

If you offer both Express and Backload services, clarify the difference:

Express Service
Guaranteed point-to-point delivery by a set time or day. Comes at a premium cost and must be booked in advance.

Backload Service 
Unless otherwise stated, bookings made through Truckit.net are considered backload jobs. This means your freight is transported alongside other customers’ freight, and delivery times may vary depending on the route and are not guaranteed. 

Hours of Operation

Clearly state your availability:

  • “We operate Monday to Friday during standard business hours.”
    OR

  • “We offer flexible pickups/deliveries outside regular hours and on weekends by arrangement.”

Insurance

You must clarify whether insurance is included:

Insurance Included:
“This quote includes up to $X insurance cover, which protects against fire, theft, rollover, and accidental damage.”

Insurance Not Included:
“We do not offer insurance. If coverage is required, you can add it when placing your booking on Truckit.net through their partnership with NTI.”

Auction House Pickups

Be transparent about auction house policies:

  • Customers must advise if the item is located at an auction house before booking.

  • Required documents must be emailed upon booking: invoice, authority to collect, and photo ID.

Requirements for Loading and Unloading

When quoting, always clarify how loading and unloading will be handled:

  • Customer Assistance: Do you require the customer to help with loading/unloading?

  • Equipment Needs: Will the customer need to provide equipment such as forklifts, or are you supplying it? If you are providing equipment (e.g., tailgate), explain how this will be managed.


Carefully review the customer’s listing. If it specifies that the property is commercial without loading facilities, residential, or requires specific equipment (such as a tailgate), ensure your quote reflects these needs.


If the customer states they cannot load or requests you to supply loading equipment and you cannot provide this service, do not quote — or at minimum, message the customer to clarify before quoting.

Tailor Your Terms by Freight Type

Always customise your T&Cs depending on the category of goods. For example, terms for transporting pallets may differ significantly from those for vehicles or large machinery.


You can create or update your own T&Cs template via the Truckit platform here.

Disclaimer

⚠️ The guidance in this article is general in nature and may not suit every business. For tailored legal advice, please consult your solicitor or business adviser.