Chapter 13: Freight by Land
Freight by Land: Overview and Key Aspects
Key Provisions of Land Freight Contracts
1. Parties Involved: The contract typically outlines the roles of the shipper,
consignee, and carrier.
2. Scope of Services: Specifies the type of goods, pickup and delivery locations,
and timelines.
3. Rates and Payment Terms: Includes freight charges, additional fees (e.g.,
fuel surcharges), and payment deadlines.
4. Liability and Insurance: Defines the carrier's liability for loss or damage and
details any insurance coverage provided or required.
5. Force Majeure: Lists conditions (e.g., natural disasters, strikes) under which
the carrier is not liable for non-performance.
6. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specifies the legal framework and courts
that will govern disputes.
Legal Responsibilities of Carriers and Customers
Carrier Responsibilities:
1. Safe Transport: Ensure the goods are transported safely to the agreed
destination.
2. Compliance: Adhere to local, national, and international regulations,
including weight limits, permits, and hazardous material handling.
3. Notification of Delays: Inform the customer promptly of any issues
affecting delivery timelines.
4. Cargo Care: Protect cargo from damage, theft, or loss during transit.
Customer Responsibilities:
1. Accurate Documentation: Provide complete and accurate shipment
details, including the nature of goods, weight, and special handling
requirements.
2. Proper Packaging: Ensure goods are packaged securely to withstand
transport.
3. Timely Payment: Fulfill financial obligations according to the
contract terms.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the goods being transported comply
with customs, health, and safety regulations.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Safety Considerations:
1. Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and servicing of trucks and
trailers to ensure roadworthiness.
2. Driver Training: Comprehensive training for drivers on defensive
driving, handling emergencies, and load securement.
3. Load Securing: Adherence to cargo securing standards to prevent
accidents caused by shifting loads.
4. Hazardous Materials: Special protocols for the transport of dangerous
goods, including labeling, documentation, and emergency response
plans.
Environmental Considerations:
1. Fuel Efficiency: Adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles and practices to
reduce emissions.
2. Emission Standards: Compliance with regulations like the Euro
emission standards (in Europe) or EPA standards (in the US).
3. Route Optimization: Using technology to plan the most efficient
routes to minimize fuel consumption and reduce environmental impact.
4. Alternative Fuels: Increasing use of electric, hybrid, or alternative
fuel vehicles to lower carbon footprints.
5. Waste Management: Proper disposal of maintenance waste such as
used oil and tires.
Summary of freight transportation by land:
Aspect Details
General cargo, perishable goods, hazardous materials, bulk
Types of Freight
items
Advantages Flexible routes, quick delivery, door-to-door service
Higher costs for long distances, traffic delays, environmental
Disadvantages
impact
Key Components Trucks, trailers, freight terminals, distribution centers
Freight trucking companies, logistics providers, third-party
Major Players
logistics (3PL) firms
Governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Regulation
(FMCSA) in the U.S.
GPS tracking, electric and autonomous vehicles, advanced
Innovations
logistics software
Global
Cross-border regulations, integration with rail and air transport
Considerations
