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 T&Cs on Truckit.

? Cancellation, Futile Pickup & 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

For general freight or loose items, outline minimum packaging standards to ensure safe transport. You may wish to include:

  • Goods must be boxed

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

  • Engines/gearboxes must be drained of fluids

  • No personal items are allowed in transported vehicles

  • Personal items in the boot are permitted but not insured

For machinery or fuel-carrying items you may wish to include the following statement:
“All machinery must be thoroughly cleaned or completely wrapped. Fuel must be fully drained. A cleaning fee may apply if items are excessively dirty.”


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 (Default)
Unless otherwise agreed, 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.

⏰ 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:

Option 1 – Insurance Included:
“This quote includes up to $X insurance cover, which protects against fire, theft, rollover, and accidental damage.”

Option 2 – Insurance Not Included:
“We do not offer insurance. If coverage is required, you can add it when placing your booking on Truckit.net or directly through NTI.”
IMPORTANT: Insurance is NOT included in this quote.

?️ Auction House Pickups

Be transparent about auction house policies:

  • Auction house collections can involve delays of up to one hour.

  • 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.

? 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.