TERMS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

Welcome to Royal Cargo Transport. By accessing or using our services, including Freight Brokerage, Dispatch Service, Rate & Lane Analysis, Carrier Setup & Compliance, Documentation Service, and Dedicated Account Manager services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (whether personally or on behalf of an entity) and Royal Cargo Transport.

2. DEFINITIONS

• "Services" refers to all services provided by Royal Cargo Transport, including but not limited to freight brokerage, dispatch services, rate analysis, carrier setup, documentation services, and account management.
• "Customer" or "You" refers to any individual or entity using our services, including shippers and carriers.
• "Carrier" refers to motor carriers, trucking companies, or independent owner-operators providing transportation services.
• "Shipper" refers to individuals or entities requiring freight transportation services.
• "Load" refers to freight or cargo to be transported.
• "BOL" refers to Bill of Lading documentation.

3. SERVICE DESCRIPTION

3.1 Freight Brokerage

We provide online freight booking and seamless shipment coordination across all lanes, connecting shippers with qualified carriers. We act as an intermediary and do not own or operate transportation equipment.

3.2 Dispatch Service

We offer proactive load search, carrier support, and optimized route coordination to help carriers maximize efficiency and profitability.

3.3 Rate & Lane Analysis

We provide real-time freight rate insights and transportation lane optimization based on current market conditions and historical data.

3.4 Carrier Setup & Compliance

We assist with comprehensive carrier onboarding, verification, and ongoing compliance monitoring to ensure all regulatory requirements are met.

3.5 Documentation Service

We handle the processing and management of BOL, rate confirmations, invoices, and Proof of Delivery (POD) with precision and efficiency.

3.6 Dedicated Account Manager

We provide personal manager support with 24/7 shipment oversight and proactive communication throughout the transportation process.

4. ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION

4.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use our services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal authority to enter into binding contracts
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain valid licenses, permits, and insurance (for carriers)
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations

4.2 Account Registration

You agree to:

• Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Keep your login credentials confidential
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

4.3 Carrier-Specific Requirements

Carriers must maintain:

• Valid Motor Carrier (MC) and DOT numbers
• Current operating authority
• Adequate insurance coverage (minimum $1,000,000 liability, $100,000 cargo)
• Satisfactory safety ratings
• Compliance with FMCSA regulations

5. FEES AND PAYMENT

5.1 Service Fees

Fees for our services are as follows:

• Freight Brokerage: $299 per transaction or as agreed
• Dispatch Service: $399 per month or as agreed
• Rate & Lane Analysis: $199 per report or subscription
• Carrier Setup & Compliance: $249 per carrier setup
• Documentation Services: $149 per shipment or package
• Dedicated Account Manager: $499 per month

Fees are subject to change with 30 days' notice. Custom pricing may be available for high-volume customers.

5.2 Payment Terms

• Payment is due as specified in your service agreement or invoice
• We accept major credit cards, ACH transfers, and wire transfers
• Late payments may incur interest charges of 1.5% per month or the maximum allowed by law
• We reserve the right to suspend services for non-payment
• All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated

5.3 Freight Charges

For freight brokerage services:

• Shippers agree to pay the rates confirmed in writing
• Carriers agree to transport loads for the rates confirmed in writing
• Rate confirmations are binding once accepted by both parties
• Additional charges may apply for detention, layover, or accessorial services

6. USER RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Shipper Responsibilities

Shippers must:

• Provide accurate load information (weight, dimensions, commodity, special requirements)
• Ensure cargo is properly packaged and labeled
• Have freight ready at scheduled pickup times
• Provide safe loading and unloading facilities
• Declare hazardous materials in accordance with DOT regulations
• Pay agreed-upon rates within specified payment terms

6.2 Carrier Responsibilities

Carriers must:

• Maintain valid licenses, permits, and insurance
• Provide safe and suitable equipment for each load
• Arrive at pickup and delivery locations on time
• Handle cargo with reasonable care
• Provide timely status updates and tracking information
• Comply with all applicable transportation regulations
• Obtain proper signatures on BOL and POD documents

6.3 Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Use our services for any illegal purpose
• Provide false or misleading information
• Circumvent our services to avoid fees (double brokering without authorization)
• Interfere with or disrupt our services or servers
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use our services to transmit harmful code or malware
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

7. INSURANCE AND LIABILITY

7.1 Carrier Insurance

Carriers must maintain:

• Minimum $1,000,000 auto liability insurance
• Minimum $100,000 cargo insurance (or as specified per load)
• Workers' compensation insurance as required by law
• Current certificates of insurance on file with Royal Cargo Transport

7.2 Cargo Loss or Damage

• Carriers are liable for loss or damage to cargo while in their possession
• Claims must be filed within 9 months of delivery or scheduled delivery date
• Carriers must respond to claims within 30 days
• Royal Cargo Transport is not liable for cargo loss or damage as a broker
• Our liability is limited to broker negligence in carrier selection

7.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Royal Cargo Transport's total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific service
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• We are not liable for delays, service interruptions, or data loss
• We are not responsible for third-party actions or omissions

8. CLAIMS AND DISPUTES

8.1 Cargo Claims

For cargo loss or damage claims:

• Notice of claim must be provided within 48 hours of delivery
• Written claim with supporting documentation must be filed within 9 months
• Claims are subject to carrier's insurance terms and conditions
• We will assist in facilitating claims but are not responsible for payment

8.2 Billing Disputes

• Disputes must be raised within 30 days of invoice date
• Undisputed portions of invoices remain due and payable
• We will work in good faith to resolve disputes promptly

8.3 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved as follows:

• First, through good faith negotiation between the parties
• If negotiation fails, through binding arbitration in Lexington, Kentucky
• Arbitration shall be conducted under the American Arbitration Association rules
• Each party bears its own costs unless otherwise awarded by the arbitrator
• The prevailing party may be awarded reasonable attorney's fees

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All content, features, and functionality of our services, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, software, and data compilations, are owned by Royal Cargo Transport and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
• Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code from our software
• Create derivative works based on our services

10. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

Your use of our services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. We collect, use, and protect your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

You consent to:

• Collection and processing of your personal and business information
• Sharing of information with carriers, shippers, and service partners as necessary
• Use of tracking technologies and GPS data for shipment monitoring
• Storage and processing of data in the United States

11. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
• Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
• Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) when applicable
• Hours of Service (HOS) regulations
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements
• State and local transportation laws
• Tax and reporting obligations

12. TERMINATION

12.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for all fees incurred prior to termination.

12.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your access to our services immediately if:

• You breach these Terms
• You fail to pay fees when due
• Your insurance or operating authority lapses
• You engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Your safety rating becomes unsatisfactory
• We are required to do so by law

12.3 Effect of Termination

• All outstanding fees become immediately due and payable
• You must complete any loads in progress
• We may retain your information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes
• Provisions regarding liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution survive termination

13. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Royal Cargo Transport, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from:

• Your use of our services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any laws or regulations
• Your violation of third-party rights
• Cargo loss, damage, or delay caused by your actions or omissions
• Accidents or injuries involving your equipment or personnel

14. WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS

14.1 Our Warranties

We warrant that we will provide our services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with industry standards.

14.2 Disclaimers

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED, OUR SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
• Warranties of uninterrupted or error-free service
• Warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability of information
• Warranties regarding third-party performance (carriers, shippers)

15. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including:

• Acts of God (weather, natural disasters)
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Government actions or regulations
• Labor disputes or strikes
• Pandemics or public health emergencies
• Utility failures or telecommunications outages

16. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes by:

• Posting updated Terms on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notification for significant changes

Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must discontinue use of our services.

17. GENERAL PROVISIONS

17.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any service-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Royal Cargo Transport.

17.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

17.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

17.5 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and applicable federal laws, without regard to conflict of law provisions.

17.6 Venue

Any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in Lexington, Kentucky.

17.7 Notices

All notices must be in writing and sent to the addresses provided in the Contact Information section. Notices are effective upon receipt.

18. BROKER DISCLOSURE

Royal Cargo Transport operates as a property broker and does not own or operate transportation equipment. We arrange for transportation services through authorized motor carriers. Our MC number and other regulatory information are available upon request.

By using Royal Cargo Transport services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.