Combined Uniform Household Goods Bill of Lading and Freight Bill (Non-Negotiable)

Terms and Conditions – Stepwise Moving

Website: https://stepwisemoving.com/

Section 1 — Carrier Liability

Stepwise Moving (“the Carrier”) or any party holding the shipped goods (“Property”) is responsible for the Property in accordance with common law, except where otherwise stated in this agreement.

The Carrier shall not be held liable for loss, damage, or delay resulting from events such as natural disasters, acts of war (declared or undeclared), actions of governmental authorities, riots, labor strikes, quarantine restrictions, public enemies, issues inherent to the Property itself, problems arising within customs facilities, or acts or omissions of the Shipper or owner.

Additionally, the Carrier is not responsible for loss or damage to fragile or uniquely valuable items—including artwork, statues, antiques, photographs, mirrors, instruments, glassware, marble items, lamps, or similarly delicate goods—unless caused by the Carrier’s negligence. The burden of proving such negligence rests solely with the Shipper, unless packaging and unpacking were performed by the Carrier.

The Carrier assumes no responsibility for internal mechanical, electrical, or computerized malfunctions of any equipment, whether packed by the Shipper or the Carrier.

The Carrier is not liable for the contents of drawers, containers, cartons, crates, or furniture unless these items and their contents have been made available for inspection and specifically listed and acknowledged by the Carrier.

The Carrier is not responsible for delays caused by road obstructions, impassable routes, vehicle mechanical issues, or similar operational conditions.

Once Property arrives at destination and delivery has been tendered, the Carrier’s liability is reduced to that of a warehouseman for loss, damage, or fire occurring thereafter. The Carrier is not liable for loss, damage, or delay when the Property is held, stopped, or stored at the request of the Shipper or receiver unless caused by the Carrier’s negligence.

Section 2 — Transportation Conditions and Claims

The Carrier is not obligated to transport Property on any specific schedule, vehicle, or route but will exercise reasonable dispatch. When necessary, the Carrier may forward shipments via alternate routes or transportation partners.

If the Shipper declares a value lower than the actual value of the Property—whether by written statement or under applicable tariffs—such declared value shall constitute the maximum recoverable amount in any claim.

Claims for loss, damage, or delay must be submitted in writing to the receiving or delivering Carrier, the issuing Carrier, or the Carrier in possession of the goods at the time of the incident within 15 days of delivery. Legal action must begin within two years and one day from the date of written notice of claim denial. Claims not filed within these time frames are barred.

Any Carrier held liable shall receive the full benefit of any insurance coverage on the goods, provided reimbursement is made for the premium paid.

Section 3 — Packing Responsibility

Unless required due to the Carrier’s negligence, all necessary packing, repacking, crating, or similar services are performed at the owner’s expense.

Section 4 — Carrier’s Lien and Storage Rights

The Carrier may retain possession of the Property and place it in storage—at the Shipper’s expense—until all charges are paid in cash, certified check, or money order. Prepayment may be required before shipment.

If the intended recipient does not take delivery after proper notice, the shipment may be held in the Carrier’s vehicle or warehouse at the owner’s cost, or transferred to another storage facility. Once such notice is sent to the Shipper, the Carrier is relieved of further liability beyond that of a warehouseman.

Section 5 — Pickup and Delivery at Unattended Locations

If Property is to be picked up from a location where the Shipper or agent is absent, the goods remain at the owner’s risk until loaded onto the Carrier’s vehicle.

If goods are delivered to an unattended location, risk transfers to the owner upon unloading.

Section 6 — High-Value and Special Items

The Carrier does not agree to transport documents, currency, or items of extraordinary value unless a specific written agreement is made and a declared value is stated on the bill of lading.

Section 7 — Hazardous or Dangerous Goods

Hazardous, explosive, or dangerous materials are not accepted for transport. Any party who tenders such goods—knowingly or unknowingly—shall indemnify the Carrier for any resulting loss or damage. The Carrier assumes no responsibility for the safe handling or delivery of such goods.

Section 8 — Payment of Charges

The owner or Consignee must pay all transportation charges, surcharges, storage fees, packing costs, and any other lawful charges before the Carrier releases the Property. The Shipper remains responsible for such charges unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The beneficial owner is also liable if charges remain unpaid.

If incorrect information regarding the beneficial owner is provided, the party supplying such information is responsible for any additional charges or legal expenses incurred.

If inspection reveals that the shipment does not match the description on this document, charges will be adjusted to reflect the actual articles transported.

Section 9 — Prior Bills of Lading

If this bill of lading replaces an earlier one at the Shipper’s request, then the declarations, valuations, and liability elections made on the earlier document shall automatically apply to this bill of lading as though originally written here.

Section 10 — Alterations

Any modification to this bill of lading is invalid unless specifically approved and noted by the Carrier. Otherwise, the document remains enforceable in its original form.

Section 11 — Interest and Legal Fees

Unpaid balances are subject to an annual interest rate of 18%. The Carrier reserves the right to recover all legal costs, attorney fees, court expenses, and collection fees incurred in recovering outstanding amounts from the Shipper.