Introduction
These conditions explain the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of all parties to this Agreement. Where we use the word ‘you’ or ‘your’ it means the Customer: ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’ means the Remover. These terms and conditions can be varied or amended subject to prior written agreement. Your attention is drawn to Clauses 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 which set out our liability to you for loss of or damage to goods and property.
Our Quotation
1.1 Our quotation, unless otherwise stated, does not include customs duties and inspections or any other fees or taxes payable to government bodies. It does include us accepting liability for your goods, subject to clauses 2.2, 3.2, 5.2, 5.3 and the provisions of Clauses 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
1.2 We may change the price or make additional charges if circumstances are found to apply which have not been taken into account when preparing our quotation and confirmed by us in writing. These include:
1.2.1 You do not accept our quotation in writing within 28 days, or the work is not carried out or completed within three months.
1.2.2 Our costs change because of currency fluctuations or changes in taxation or freight charges beyond our control.
1.2.3 The work is carried out on a Saturday, Sunday, or Public Holiday or outside normal hours (08.00-18.00hrs) at your request.
1.2.4 We have to collect or deliver goods at your request above the ground floor and first upper floor.
1.2.5 If you collect some or all of the goods from our warehouse, we are entitled to make a charge for handing them over.
1.2.6 We supply any additional services, including moving or storing extra goods (these conditions apply to such work).
1.2.7 The stairs, lifts or doorways are inadequate for free movement of the goods without mechanical equipment or structural alteration, or the approach, road or drive is unsuitable for our vehicles and/or containers to load and/or unload within 20 metres of the doorway.
1.2.8 We have to pay parking or other fees or charges in order to carry out services on your behalf.
1.2.9 There are delays or events outside our reasonable control which increase or extend the resources or time allowed to complete the agreed work.
1.2.10 We agree in writing to increase our limit of liability set out in clause 9.1.1
1.3 In any such circumstances, adjusted charges will apply and become payable (as of March 2022 a further £25 +VAT per person per hour).
Work not included in the quotation
2.1 Unless agreed by us in writing, we will not:
2.1.1 Dismantle or assemble unit or system furniture (flat-pack), fitments or fittings.
2.1.2 Disconnect, re-connect, dismantle or re-assemble appliances, fixtures, fittings or equipment.
2.1.3 Take up or lay fitted floor coverings.
2.1.4 Move items from a loft, unless properly lit and floored and safe access is provided.
2.1.5 Move or store any items excluded under Clause 4.
2.2 Our staff are not authorized or qualified to carry out such work. We recommend that a properly qualified person is separately employed by you to carry out these services.
Your responsibility
3.1 It will be your sole responsibility to:
3.1.1 Declare to us, in writing, the value of the goods being removed and/or stored. If it is subsequently established that the value of the goods removed or stored is greater than the actual value you declare, you agree that our liability under clause
9.1 will be reduced to reflect the proportion that your declared value bears to their actual value.
3.1.2 Obtain at your own expense, all documents, permits, permissions, licences, customs documents necessary for the removal to be completed.
3.1.3 Be present or represented during the collection and delivery of the removal.
3.1.4 Ensure authorized signature on agreed inventories, receipts, waybills, job sheets or other relevant documents by way of confirmation of collection or delivery of goods.
3.1.5 Take all reasonable steps to ensure that nothing that should be removed is left behind and nothing is taken away in error.
3.1.6 Arrange proper protection for goods left in unoccupied or unattended premises, or where other people such as (but not limited to) tenants or workmen are, or will be present.
3.1.7 Prepare adequately and stabilize all appliances or electronic equipment prior to their removal.
3.1.8 Empty, properly defrost and clean refrigerators and deep freezers. We are not responsible for the contents.
3.1.9 Provide us with a contact address for correspondence during removal transit and/or storage of goods.
3.2 Other than by reason of our negligence or breach of contract, we will not be liable for any loss or damage, costs or additional charges that may arise from failure to discharge these responsibilities.
Our responsibility
4.1 It is our responsibility to deliver your goods to you, or produce them for your collection, undamaged. By “undamaged” we mean in the same condition as they were in at the time when they were packed or otherwise made ready for transportation and/ or storage.
4.2 In the event that we have undertaken to pack the goods, or otherwise make them ready for transportation and/or storage, it is our responsibility to deliver them to you, or produce them for your collection, undamaged. Again, by “undamaged” we mean in the same condition as they were in immediately prior to being packed/ made ready for transportation or storage.
4.3 If we fail to discharge the responsibilities identified in clause 4.1 and 4.2, we will, subject to the provisions of clauses 8, 9 and 11, be liable under this agreement to compensate you for such failure.
4.4 We will not be liable to compensate you where clauses 2.2, 3.2, 5.2 and 5.3 apply unless loss or damage occurred as a result of negligence or breach of contract on our part.
4.5 If you do not provide us with a declaration of value of your goods, or if you do not require us to accept standard liability pursuant to clause 9.1 we will not be liable to you for failure to discharge the responsibilities identified in clause 4.1 and 4.2, unless that failure was caused by negligence or breach of contract on our part.
4.6 The amount of our liability under this clause shall be determined in accordance with clauses 9 and 11.
Goods not to be submitted for removal or storage
5.1 Unless previously agreed in writing by a director or other authorized company representative, the following items must not be submitted for removal or storage and will under no circumstances be moved or stored by us. The items listed under 5.1.1 below may present risks to health and safety and of fire. Items listed under 5.1.2 to 5.1.6 below carry other risks and you should make your own arrangements for their transport and storage.
5.1.1 Prohibited or stolen goods, drugs, pornographic material, potentially dangerous, damaging or explosive items, including gas bottles, aerosols, paints, firearms and ammunition.
5.1.2 Jewellery, watches, trinkets, precious stones or metals, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, or goods or collections of any similar kind.
5.1.3 Plants or goods likely to encourage vermin or other pests or to cause infestation or contamination.
5.1.4 Perishable items and/or those requiring a controlled environment.
5.1.5 Any animals, birds or fish.
5.1.6 Goods which require special licence or government permission for export or import.
5.2 If we do agree to remove such goods, we will not accept liability for loss or damage unless we are negligent or in breach of contract, in which case all these conditions will apply.
5.3 If you submit such goods without our knowledge we will make them available for your collection and if you do not collect them within a reasonable time we will apply for an appropriate court order to dispose of any such goods found in the consignment without notice. You will furthermore pay to us any charges, expenses, damages, legal costs or penalties incurred by us.
Ownership of the goods
6.1 By entering into this Agreement, you guarantee that:
6.1.1 The goods to be removed and/or stored are your own property, or
6.1.2 The person(s) who own or have an interest in them have given you authority to make this contract and have been made aware of these conditions.
6.1.3 You will pay us for any claim for damages and/or costs brought against us if either warranty 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 is not true.
7. Charges if you postpone or cancel the removal
7.1 If you postpone or cancel this Agreement, we will charge you according to how much notice is given. “Working days” refer to the normal working week of Monday to Friday and excludes weekends and Public Holidays.
7.1.1 More than 10 working days before the removal was due to start: No charge.
7.1.2 Between 5 and 10 working days inclusive before the removal was due to start: not more than 30% of the removal charge.
7.1.3 Less than 5 working days before the removal was due to start: not more than 60% of the removal charge.
8. Payment
8.1 Unless otherwise agreed by us in writing:
8.1.1 Payment is required by cleared funds in advance of the removal or storage period.
8.1.2 You may not withhold any part of the agreed price.
8.1.3 In respect of all sums which are overdue to us, we will charge interest on a daily basis calculated at 4% per annum above the prevailing base rate for the time being of the Bank of England.
Determination of amount of our liability for loss or damage
9.1 Standard Liability
9.1.1 If you provide us with a declaration of the value of your goods, and subject to clause 3.1.1, the amount of our liability to you in the event of loss or damage to those goods in breach of clause 4 will be determined in accordance with Clauses
9.1.2, 9.1.3 and 11 below, subject to a maximum liability of £75,000. We may agree to accept liability for a higher amount, in which case we may make an additional charge.
9.1.2 In the event of loss of or damage to your goods in breach of clause 4, our liability to you is to be assessed as a sum equivalent to the cost of their repair or replacement, taking into account the age and condition of the goods immediately prior to their loss or damage, and subject to the maximum liability of £75,000 referred to in clause 9.1.1 (unless we have agreed a higher amount with you).
9.1.3 Where the lost or damaged item is part of a pair or set, our liability to you, where it is assessed as the cost of replacement of that item, is to be assessed as a sum equivalent to the cost of that item in isolation, not the cost of that item as part of a pair or set.
9.2 Limited Liability
9.2.1 If you do not provide us with a declaration of value, or if you do not require us to accept Standard Liability pursuant to clause 9.1, then our liability to you is to be determined in accordance with Clauses 9.1.3, 9.2.2 and 11.
9.2.2 In the event of loss of or damage to your goods caused by negligence or breach of contract on our part, our liability to you is to be assessed as a sum equivalent to the cost of their repair or replacement, taking into account their age and condition immediately prior to their loss or damage, subject to a maximum liability of £40 per item. Your attention is drawn to clause 11.1 which applies to Limited Liability.
9.3 For goods destined to or received from a place outside the UK
9.3.1 We will only accept Standard Liability if you provide us with a detailed valuation of your goods on the valuation form which we provide. All other provisions of Clause 9.1 will apply.
9.3.2 We do not accept liability for loss of or damage to goods confiscated, seized, removed or damaged by Customs Authorities or other Government Agencies unless we have been negligent or in breach of contract.
9.3.3 We do not accept liability for loss of or damage to goods occurring in certain overseas countries, including Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Libya, Lebanon, Angola, Cambodia, Vietnam, N. Korea and Former States of the USSR, unless we have been negligent or in breach of contract. This list is not exhaustive, and we will advise you at the time of quotation if this exclusion applies.
We will accept liability for loss or damage
(a) arising from our negligence or breach of contract whilst the goods are in our physical possession, or
(b) whilst the goods are in the possession of others if the loss or damage is established to have been caused by our failure to pack the goods to a reasonable standard where we have been contracted to pack the goods that are subject to the claim.
In either circumstance clause 9.1 and 9.2 above will apply.
9.4 An Item is defined as :-
9.4.1The entire contents of a box, parcel, package, carton, or similar container; and
9.4.2 Any other object or thing that is moved, handled or stored by us.
9.5 If the carrying vessel/conveyance, should for reasons beyond the carrier’s control, fail to deliver the goods, or route them to a place other than the original destination, you have limited recourse against the carrier, and may be liable for General Average contribution (e.g. the costs incurred to preserve the vessel/conveyance and cargo) and salvage charges, or the additional cost of onward transmission to the place, port or airport of destination. These are insurable risks and it is your responsibility to arrange adequate marine/transit insurance cover.
10. Damage to premises or property other than goods
10.1 Because third party contractors are frequently present at the time of
collection or delivery our liability for loss or damage is limited as
follows:
10.1.1 If we cause loss or damage to premises or property other than goods for removal as a result of our negligence or breach of contract, our liability shall be limited to making good the damaged area only.
10.1.2 If we cause damage as a result of moving goods under your
express instruction, against our advice, and where to move the
goods in the manner instructed is likely to cause damage, we
shall not be liable.
10.1.3 If we are responsible for causing damage to your premises or to
property other than goods submitted for removal and/or
storage, you must note this on the worksheet or delivery receipt
as soon as practically possible or within a reasonable time. This
is fundamental to the Agreement.
11. Exclusions of liability
11.1 In respect of Limited Liability, we will not be liable for loss of or
damage to your goods as a result of fire or explosion howsoever that
fire or explosion was caused, unless we have been negligent or in
breach of contract.
11.2 In respect of Standard Liability and Limited Liability, other than as a
result of our negligence or breach of contract we will not be liable for
any loss of, damage to, or failure to produce the following goods :-
11.2.1 Bonds, Securities, Stamps of all kinds, Manuscripts or other
Documents or Electronically held Data Records, Mobile
Telephones
11.2.2 Plants or goods likely to encourage vermin or other pests or to
cause infestation or contamination.
11.2.3 Perishable items and/or those requiring a controlled
environment.
11.2.4 Furs exceeding £100 in value, Jewellery, Watches, Precious
Stones and Metals, Money, Coins, Deeds.
11.2.5 Any animals, birds or fish.
11.3 In respect of Standard Liability and Limited Liability, other than as a
result of our negligence or breach of contract we will not be liable for
any loss of, damage to, or failure to produce the goods if caused by
any of the following circumstances:-
11.3.1 By war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether
war is declared or not), civil war, terrorism, rebellion and/or
military coup, Act of God, industrial action or other such events
outside our reasonable control.
11.3.2 Loss or damage arising from ionising radiations or radioactive
contamination
11.3.3 Loss or damage arising from Chemical, Biological, Bio-chemical,
Electromagnetic Weapons and Cyber Attack
11.3.4 Indirect or consequential loss of any kind or description
11.3.5 By normal wear and tear, natural or gradual deterioration,
leakage or evaporation or from perishable or unstable goods.
This includes goods left within furniture or appliances.
11.3.6 By vermin, moth, insects and similar infestation, damp, mould,
mildew or rust
11.3.7 By cleaning, repairing or restoring unless we arranged for the
work to be carried out.
11.3.8 By change to atmospheric or climatic conditions.
11.3.9 For any goods in wardrobes, drawers or appliances, or in a
package, bundle, carton, case or other container not both
packed and unpacked by us.
11.3.10 Loss of or damage to china, glassware and fragile items unless
they have been both professionally packed and unpacked by the
us or our Subcontractor. In the event of an accident involving
an owner packed container where damage would have occurred
irrespective of the quality of the packing, then our liability is
limited to £100 or its actual value whichever is less.
11.3.11 For electrical or mechanical derangement to any appliance,
instrument, clock, computer or other equipment unless there is
evidence of related external damage.
11.3.12 Loss or damage of motor vehicles caused by scratching,
denting and marring unless you obtain from us a pre-collection
condition report.
11.3.13 Loss or damage to a vehicle whilst being driven or for the
purpose of being driven under its own power other than for the
purpose of loading onto or unloading from the carrying
conveyance or container. Loss or damage sustained by
accessories and removable items unless lost with the vehicle
11.3.14 For any goods which have a pre-existing defect or are
inherently defective.
11.4 No employee of ours shall be separately liable to you for any loss,
damage, mis-delivery, errors or omissions under the terms of this
Agreement.
11.5 Our liability will cease upon handing over goods from our warehouse
or upon completion of delivery (see Clause 12.2 below).
12 Time limit for claims
12.1 For goods which we deliver, you must notify us in writing of any
visible loss, damage or failure to produce any goods at the time of
delivery.
12.2 If you or your agent collect the goods, you must notify us in writing
of any loss or damage at the time the goods are handed to you.
12.3 Notwithstanding clauses 8, 9 and 10 we will not be liable for
any loss of or damage to the goods unless a claim is notified
to us, or to our agent or the company carrying out the
collection or delivery of the goods on our behalf, in writing
as soon as such loss or damage is discovered (or with
reasonable diligence ought to have been discovered) and in
any event within seven (7) days of delivery of the goods by
us.
12.4 The time limit for notifying us of your claim may be
extended upon receipt of your written request provided such
request is received within seven (7) days of delivery.
Consent to such a request will not be unreasonably withheld.
13 Delays in transit
13.1 Other than by reason of our negligence or breach of contract, we will
not be liable for delays in transit.
13.2 If through no fault of ours we are unable to deliver your goods, we
will take them into store. The Agreement will then be fulfilled and
any additional service(s), including storage and delivery, will be at
your expense.
14 Our Right to Hold the Goods (lien)
We shall have a right to withhold and/or ultimately dispose of some or all
of the goods until you have paid all our charges and any other payments
due under this or any other Agreement. (See also Clause 23). These
include any charges that we have paid out on your behalf. While we hold
the goods you will be liable to pay all storage charges and other costs
incurred by our withholding your goods and these terms and conditions
shall continue to apply.
15 Our right to sub-contract the work
15.1 We reserve the right to sub-contract some or all of the work.
15.2 If we sub-contract, then these conditions will still apply.
16 Route and method
16.1 We have the right to choose the method and route by which to carry
out the work.
16.2 Unless it has been specifically agreed otherwise in writing in our
Quotation, other space/volume/capacity on our vehicles and/or the
container may be utilized for consignments of other customers.
17 Advice and information for International Removals
We will use our reasonable endeavours to provide you with up to date
information to assist you with the import/export of your goods.
Information on such matters as national or regional laws and regulations
which are subject to change and interpretation at any time is provided in
good faith and is based upon existing known circumstances. It is your
responsibility to seek appropriate advice to verify the accuracy of any
information provided.
18 Applicable law
This contract is subject to the law of the country in which the office of the
company issuing this contract is situated.
19 Your forwarding address
19.1 If you send goods to be stored, you must provide an address for
correspondence and notify us if it changes. All correspondence and
notices will be considered to have been received by you seven days
after sending it to your last address recorded by us.
19.2 If you do not provide an address or respond to our correspondence
or notices, we may publish such notices in a public newspaper in the
area to or from which the goods were removed. Such notice will be
considered to have been received by you seven days after the
publication date of the newspaper.
Note: If we are unable to contact you, we will charge you any costs
incurred in establishing your whereabouts.
20 List of goods (inventory) or receipt
Where we produce a list of your goods (inventory) or a receipt and send it
to you, it will be accepted as accurate unless you write to us within 10
days of the date of our sending, or a reasonable period agreed between
us, notifying us of any errors or omissions.
21 Revision of storage charges
We review our storage charges periodically. You will be given 3 months
notice in writing of any increases.
22 Our right to Sell or dispose of the Goods
If payment of our charges relating to your goods is in arrears, and on
giving you three months’ notice, we are entitled to require you to remove
your goods from our custody and pay all money due to us. If you fail to
pay all outstanding amounts due to us, we may sell or dispose of some or
all of the goods without further notice. The cost of the sale or disposal will
be charged to you. The net proceeds will be credited to your account and
any eventual surplus will be paid to you without interest. If the full
amount due is not received, we may seek to recover the balance from
you.
23 Termination
If payments are up to date, we will not end this contract except by giving
you three months notice in writing. If you wish to terminate your storage
contract, you must give us at least 10 working days’ notice (working days
are defined in Clause 6 above). If we can release the goods earlier, we
will do so, provided that your account is paid up to date. Charges for
storage are payable to the date when the notice should have taken effect.