TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These terms outline the binding agreement between the customer(s) and Ship Hauls, a privately owned, registered, and bonded transportation brokerage company operating under USDOT and MC authority. Ship Hauls acts as a broker to arrange shipment of vehicles/units with licensed and insured carriers throughout the United States.

1. GENERAL TERMS AND GUIDELINES

• 1.1 The customer agrees and understands that Ship Hauls operates as a brokerage to connect vehicle/unit shipments to licensed and insured carriers. By authorizing Ship Hauls to broker a shipment, the customer permits the company to locate a carrier for transport. However, Ship Hauls is not responsible for carrier availability, delays, or circumstances beyond its control, such as route disruptions, mechanical failures, or weather-related incidents.
• 1.2 Ship Hauls does not offer real-time tracking. Status updates are manually requested from carriers and shared with customers. Delays due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen mechanical issues are possible.
• 1.3 Door-to-door service is only possible if accessible to semi-trucks. If not, alternative meeting locations such as public lots or wide-accessible streets must be used to comply with DOT and local regulations.
• 1.4 If a vehicle is inoperable or immobile, Ship Hauls is not liable for towing to or from accessible locations. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure accessibility for pickup and delivery. Any additional costs for accessibility will be borne by the customer.
• 1.5 Ship Hauls may use images of the shipped vehicle(s)/unit(s)—either provided by the customer or taken during pickup/delivery—for marketing purposes (website, social media, etc.). These images will not include personal identifiers and will never be used in a way that violates privacy or cybersecurity regulations.
• 1.6 If the customer or their representative is unavailable to accept delivery, the vehicle/unit may be stored at the customer’s expense. Ship Hauls assumes no liability for fees or damages resulting from the customer’s failure to accept delivery as scheduled.
• 1.7 Carrier insurance is verified via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database prior to assignment.

2. COMMUNICATION

• 2.1 Customers agree to be contacted by Ship Hauls through phone, email, or SMS for important notifications (driver assignment, pickup, delivery updates, ETA changes, etc.).
• 2.2 Customer contact info may be shared with the assigned carrier to ensure proper coordination of pickup and delivery.
• 2.3 All provided dates and ETAs are estimates. Road conditions, weather, and other delays may affect timelines. Agents will provide updates when possible.

Ship Hauls encourages respectful and professional communication. Use of abusive or offensive language toward staff or affiliates may result in refusal of service.

3. PRICING & ADDITIONAL FEES

• 3.1 Quotes are valid for 5 calendar days and are applicable to shipments scheduled within 10 days. Pricing may change based on market demand outside this window.
• 3.2 Quotes include all known transportation-related charges, including insurance, tolls, and taxes. No hidden fees.
• 3.3 A Dry Run Fee (up to $200) may be charged if the carrier is unable to load/unload due to customer-related issues, despite proper notice.
• 3.4 A Detention Fee (up to $75/hour) may apply if delays are caused by customer no-shows or incorrect pickup/drop-off info.
• 3.5 Ship Hauls is not liable for financial losses due to shipment delays, including missed flights, storage costs, parking fees, or loss of auction bids.

4. TIME FRAMES

• 4.1 For most standard vehicles (cars, SUVs, sedans, etc.), a carrier is typically assigned within 1–5 business days from the first available pickup date.
• 4.2 For heavy equipment, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and specialty units, carrier assignment may take 1–7 business days.
• 4.3 Expedited Shipping with guaranteed pickup is available upon request. Contact us for pricing and details.
• 4.4 Shipments requiring TWIC access may face additional delays beyond the estimated timeframe.

5. PAYMENT

• 5.1 Full payment must be completed before the vehicle is picked up.
• 5.2 Payments via credit card or PayPal are subject to a 4% processing fee.
• 5.3 Verification is required for card payments (ID and cardholder name must match).
• 5.4 Payment via check must clear before pickup.
• 5.5 Remaining balances may be paid directly to the carrier in certified funds (cash or cashier’s check) upon delivery.
• 5.6 Chargebacks or payment reversals are not permitted once a carrier has been assigned. Ship Hauls functions solely as a broker and is not responsible for the carrier’s performance.
• 5.7 Claims for vehicle damage must be handled separately and do not excuse unpaid balances.

6. VEHICLE INSPECTIONS & PERSONAL ITEMS

• 6.1 Customers are responsible for ensuring the vehicle/unit is ready for transport and accurately described.
• 6.2 Remove or secure any loose parts. Customers are responsible for damage caused by unsecured items.
• 6.3 Vehicle conditions will be documented at pickup and delivery on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Both parties must sign off on this inspection.
• 6.4 Up to 100 lbs. of personal items may be included at no charge if stored in the trunk or below window level inside the vehicle.
• 6.5 Carriers may refuse overweight items or charge $1 per additional pound.
• 6.6 All personal items must be declared before booking. Undisclosed contents may result in cancellation or additional fees.
• 6.7 Liability for damage ends after BOL is signed upon delivery.

7. LIABILITY

• 7.1 Ship Hauls is not liable for personal items placed in the vehicle; they are not covered by insurance.
• 7.2 Agreements made directly between customers and carriers are outside of Ship Hauls’ responsibility.
• 7.3 Carriers are not responsible for mechanical issues incurred during transport.
• 7.4 Exterior damages noted at delivery and listed on the BOL may be covered by carrier insurance.
• 7.5 Customers must report damage within 24 hours of delivery.
• 7.6 Damage reported after unattended delivery will not be accepted.
• 7.7 Ship Hauls is not liable for claims; all damage claims must be submitted to the carrier or its insurance.
• 7.8 Ship Hauls may assist with filing claims but is not obligated to mediate disputes.
• 7.9 Natural disasters and “acts of God” are not covered under liability.
• 7.10 Ship Hauls cannot mediate legal disputes between the customer and carrier.
• 7.11 Carrier credentials are verified before assignment, but Ship Hauls is not responsible for credentials that become invalid post-verification.

8. CANCELLATION POLICY

• 8.1 Customers may cancel for a full refund if no driver has been assigned within the estimated time window.
• 8.2 Cancellations must be submitted in writing to our support email or via SMS to our support number. Verbal cancellations are not accepted.
• 8.3 If a driver has been assigned, cancellation fees may apply.
• 8.4 Refunds (if applicable) will be processed within 2 business days of written request.
• 8.5 Ship Hauls reserves the right to cancel service at any time in accordance with federal/state law.
• 8.6 Cancellations for Hawaii or Alaska shipments (after a marine carrier has been assigned) may incur additional fees deducted from the deposit.