GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Version: 1.0 Effective: October 9, 2025
Sierra Logistics Solutions, Inc., a California corporation
4600 Roseville Road, Suite 260, North Highlands, CA 95660
Terms URL: http://shipsierra.com/
1) Definitions
“SHIPSIERRA.COM” means Sierra Logistics Solutions, Inc., its affiliates, employees, agents and independent contractors, and any subcontracted carriers warehousemen engaged for transportation, handling, or storage.
“Customer” means the party for whom services are rendered, any party requesting services, any party with an interest in the Shipment, and agents of any of them.
“Shipment” means all pieces tendered and accepted under a single waybill, bill of lading, or warehouse receipt.
“Cartage” means pre post-air surface carriage.
“SDR” means the IMF Special Drawing Right.
“Third Parties” include carriers, draymen, forwarders, customs brokers, warehousemen, airlines, ocean carriers, OTIs, and others entrusted with the goods.
2) Operating authority
Shipsierra.com may provide or arrange services under any applicable authority it maintains or later obtains, including (as applicable) FMCSA Property Broker authority, Freight Forwarder authority, TSA Indirect Air Carrier authority, and FMC OTI authority. Insert Shipsierra.com authority numbers when ready.
3) Agreement to terms; module precedence; updates
(a) These GT&Cs govern all services except where a Shipsierra.com service-specific document issued by Shipsierra.com governs the activity; then the specific document controls in any conflict: (i) North America Brokerage Terms; (ii) Domestic (North America) Carriage Terms; (iii) International Air or Ocean carriage terms (if issued); (iv) Warehouse Terms & Conditions; and (v) any Shipsierra.com house air waybill house ocean B L straight BOL or warehouse receipt.
(b) Shipsierra.com may amend posted terms prospectively by website posting or notice; continued use constitutes acceptance. Any Customer attempt to add alter terms by purchase orders, portals, or other forms is void unless a Shipsierra.com officer signs an override.
(c) These GT&Cs also govern Shipsierra.com filing submission of data to regulators on Customer’s behalf (even when incidental to other services).
(d) These GT&Cs do not govern any discrete “LTL reseller” program Shipsierra.com may offer under separate terms (if any).
4) Shipsierra.com as agent vs. principal
Shipsierra.com acts as Customer’s agent (not carrier bailee) when arranging services with Third Parties, unless Shipsierra.com (i) issues a transport document identifying Shipsierra.com as “Carrier,” or (ii) issues a warehouse receipt for storage it performs. As agent, Shipsierra.com binds Customer to customary Third-Party terms; Shipsierra.com is not liable for Third-Party acts omissions beyond Shipsierra.com own negligence or willful misconduct.
5) Customer obligations
Customer must: (a) provide complete and accurate shipment data (including verified weights dimensions and counts); (b) pack, mark, and secure goods suitable for ordinary care handling and the mode; (c) comply with all applicable laws (DOT IATA IMDG HMR hazmat, export controls, sanctions, anti-bribery laws, etc.); (d) ensure safe loading securement when cargo is pre-loaded blocked braced by Customer shipper; and (e) disclose and agree in writing to any special handling (reefer food-grade white-glove time-definite high-value).
6) Shipment documentation & identity; mis-tender
Each Shipment must move on a BOL waybill showing the Servicing Motor Carrier’s legal name and MC number when Shipsierra.com is arranging motor carriage. Listing Shipsierra.com as carrier on a Customer form does not change Shipsierra.com’s broker agent status. When Shipsierra.com provides carrier driver identity, Customer (or consignor) must verify the arriving party matches; tender to a mismatched party voids claims against Shipsierra.com arising from mis-tender or identity fraud.
7) Rates; re-weigh remeasure; accessorial
Quotes rates are based on actual or dimensional weight (whichever is greater) and the information provided. Shipsierra.com or Third Parties may re-weigh and remeasure; charges will be adjusted accordingly. Quotes are informational until confirmed; accessorial (detention layover, redelivery, reconsignment, afterhours, appointment, liftgate, lumper, port rail fees, chassis, demurrage, per diem, etc.) apply if incurred.
8) Higher declared value (buy-up) option
Shipsierra.com pricing assumes release limits. Customer may request higher liability up to USD 25,000 per Shipment by written request at least 72 hours pre-pickup; binding only if Shipsierra.com confirms in writing and Customer accepts any additional charge. Above USD 25,000 requires Shipsierra.com corporate approval. Buy-up adjusts caps only Shipsierra.com’s scope of liability otherwise remains as stated. Absent buy-up, module limits apply.
9) Default standard of liability
Shipsierra.com is liable for cargo loss damage delay only to the extent caused by Shipsierra.com negligence or willful misconduct and only while in Shipsierra.com actual custody, always subject to the limitations and exclusions herein and in applicable modules.
10) Force majeure
No liability for failures or delays caused by events beyond reasonable control (e.g., extreme weather; war terror civil unrest; strikes lockouts; government actions; route port closures; public health emergencies; infrastructure IT failures or cyber incidents; intentional acts of third parties; inherent vice; improper packing marking documentation by shipper). Obligations are suspended and timelines extended during the event; if >30 days, either party may terminate affected services prospectively.
11) Global limitations & exclusions
Unless an applicable module or written agreement states otherwise, Shipsierra.com liability however arising is limited to the lesser of repair replace cost and: (a) for air and domestic surface, USD $0.50 lb per package (actual weight) or USD $50 per Shipment (whichever is greater); (b) for ocean, USD $500 per Shipment; and (c) for customs filings or other services, the amount paid to Shipsierra.com for those services or USD $50 per occurrence (whichever is less). No recovery for consequential, incidental, punitive, loss-of-market, business interruption, or similar damages. Defenses and limits apply no matter the theory.
12) Services not guaranteed
Reasonable dispatch only; no guaranteed pickup delivery time unless Shipsierra.com expressly agrees in writing. Shipsierra.com may substitute carriers modes or otherwise reasonably deviate to protect cargo and schedules.
13) Claims procedures & time bars; concealed damage
Claims must be written, include Shipsierra.com claims form and support, and freight charges must be paid. Delivery without exception is prima facie evidence of good order. Concealed damage reported after 48 hours is presumed post-delivery absent clear and convincing evidence otherwise.
- Air: damage 14 days after delivery; delay 21 days after delivery; non-delivery 120 days from acceptance.
- All-ground domestic: written claim within 9 months of delivery or scheduled delivery.
- Suit limitation: domestic 2 years from written disallowance; international as per applicable convention.
- Overcharge claims must be made within 1 year of acceptance.
14) Recordkeeping
Customer is solely responsible for its own legal business records. Shipsierra.com retains only records required by law for its operations.
15) Insurance (placement on request)
Shipsierra.com shall not be obligated to procure insurance on any Shipment unless requested in writing by Customer and confirmed in writing by Shipsierra.com. If insurance is requested and confirmed, Shipsierra.com will quote and confirm coverage, but does not guarantee the adequacy of such coverage. Failure to properly complete the insurance section on the Shipsierra.com waybill will void any coverage. Customer is responsible for insuring their cargo for the full invoice value and for any co-insurance penalties. Shipsierra.com liability shall be limited to the applicable underlying limitations of liability.
16) Quotations not binding
Rate duty tax fee insurance quotations are estimates and may change. Binding rates require written acceptance by Shipsierra.com before tender and may be revised if inputs prove inaccurate or circumstances change.
17) Indemnification
Customer shall defend, indemnify, and hold Shipsierra.com harmless from all third-party claims, penalties, and costs arising from: (i) Customer’s breach; (ii) legal regulatory violations; (iii) Shipsierra.com’s execution of Customer’s instructions information; (iv) Customer’s negligence willful misconduct; or (v) attempts to impose liability on Shipsierra.com exceeding the limits herein. This indemnity does not apply to the extent a claim is judicially determined to have been caused by Shipsierra.com negligence or willful misconduct.
18) Security TSA (Cargo Security Requirements)
Shipments are subject to all cargo security requirements imposed by applicable governmental authorities in connection with 49 C.F.R. Part 1548. Pursuant to 49 CFR 1548.9(b), shipments may be subject to screening, including physical search or inspection. Shipsierra.com reserves the right to refuse, remove, or abandon any shipment that violates applicable laws, orders, or regulations. If such a shipment must be stored, it will be done at the Customer’s expense pending disposition instructions. Shipsierra.com shall have no obligation to comply with any security criteria unless agreed to in writing by an officer of Shipsierra.com.
19) Packaging
Customer must ensure all Shipments are prepared and packaged to protect the enclosed goods and to ensure safe transportation with ordinary care in handling. Shipsierra.com shall have no liability for loss or damage to improperly packed Shipments. Fragile items or Shipments subject to damage by ordinary care handling must be adequately marked and labeled and their status notified in writing to Shipsierra.com. Shipments subject to damage as a result of any atmospheric condition that might be encountered during air transport must be adequately protected, packed and marked accordingly. Use of used or re-used packaging shall be noted by Customer on the waybill or other shipping documents.
20) Shipments subject to delay (illustrative)
Delays may result from oversize pieces (example., 85” length or >59” height for certain aircraft), improperly packed labeled documented cargo, cargo tendered after cutoff, loads needing licenses consular work, hazmat, or non-compliance with security rules.
21) Oversize acceptance thresholds
Subject to advance arrangements and space: Shipsierra.com may accept pieces >121” length and or >88” width. Requirements: palletized; minimum chargeable weight 4,500 lb per pallet; max pallet dims 125” L × 88” W × 58” H; charges based on actual dimensional weight or pallet count, whichever greater.
22) Right to reject; routing liberties
Shipsierra.com may refuse or stop a Shipment for safety security or legal reasons; may route via any mode carrier and deviate as needed. Shipsierra.com will use reasonable efforts to notify Customer of material routing changes.
23) Hazardous materials
Customer remains responsible to classify, package, mark, label, document, and declare DG hazmat under HMR (49 C.F.R.), IATA ICAO, IMDG, etc., and may owe per-UN ID handling charges if Shipsierra.com accepts. Shipsierra.com is not licensed to transport certain classes and may reject any DG.
24) Storage if refused or stopped in-transit
If consignee refuses, delivery cannot be made, or Customer instructs a hold, Shipsierra.com may arrange storage at Customer’s cost. Shipsierra.com warehouseman lien and disposition rights apply. Customer remains jointly severally liable for deficiencies after sale; excess proceeds applied to liens, balance to Customer.
25) Collect (“C.O.D.”) shipments
C.O.D. amount and form of payment must be specified on Shipsierra.com’s waybill. Shipsierra.com does not verify instrument authenticity negotiability; if payment is dishonored, Customer remains liable and must remit within 15 days. No C.O.D. to transient consignees; government agencies absent proper BOL; construction sites hotels convention centers.
26) Duties, taxes, other fees; advances
At Customer’s request (and without obligation), Shipsierra.com may advance duties taxes fees; Customer reimburses the advance plus 5% administrative fee ($10 minimum).
27) Lien rights; notices; sale
Shipsierra.com holds a general continuing lien on Shipments and proceeds for all amounts due (including prior shipments). Shipsierra.com may refuse to surrender cargo until paid; storage and sale costs accrue. Shipsierra.com will give written lien notice stating amounts due and storage other charges; Customer shall notify all interest holders. Customer remains jointly severally liable for deficiencies after sale; excess as above.
28) Payment terms; interest; cash thresholds
Unless otherwise stated, Net 30. Past-due interest 1.5% month (or legal max). Cash accepted up to $2,000 per Shipment; above that, certified funds or ACH wire. Customer remains primarily liable even if using a third-party payment service; payment to such service is not payment to Shipsierra.com until Shipsierra.com is actually paid.
29) Prepaid collect third-party billing; revisions
Shipper or consignee requesting third-party billing remains jointly severally liable if the third party fails to pay. Requests to revise bill-to after delivery require a written payment guarantee from the new payer and a $10 revision fee; no revision allowed if the change would reduce agreed rates. Prepay required for: U.S. Government unless on Government BOL; shows parks fairs; hotel guests; “in care of” consignees; political organizations.
30) Export controls; sanctions; anti-corruption
Customer will not use Shipsierra.com to move cargo that violates export controls sanctions. Customer warrants compliance with U.S. laws (including OFAC, EAR, ITAR) and anti-corruption anti-bribery laws (including FCPA).
31) Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be contrary to any mandatory law, governmental regulation, order, or requirement, such provision shall nevertheless remain applicable to the extent it is not overridden. The invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement.
32) No modification except in writing; no implied waiver
Any attempt by Customer to change, amend, or modify these terms and conditions shall be null and void unless made in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties. No obligation shall be waived by Shipsierra.com unless such waiver is in writing, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any other term or condition.
33) Governing law; venue; mediation; fees
California law governs (without conflicts rules). Exclusive venue: state federal courts in Sacramento County, California. Before suit, the parties will attempt non-binding mediation in Sacramento County. The prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees as permitted by law.