Sub-contractors Terms & Conditions

1. INTERPRETATION

1.1 'Company' means Browns ASR Limited trading as The Backload Network.
1.2 'Subcontractor' means any person or entity engaged by the Company.
1.3 'Customer' means any customer introduced by the Company.
1.4 'Goods' means any items carried, handled or stored.
1.5 'Services' means any transport, removals, courier, haulage, logistics or related services.
1.6 'Assignment' means any booking, work instruction, collection, delivery or service allocated by the Company together with the applicable rate, payment terms and operational requirements notified to the Subcontractor.

2. APPLICATION OF TERMS

2.1 These Terms apply to every Assignment.
2.2 Acceptance of any Assignment, website registration, portal registration or provision of Services constitutes acceptance of these Terms.
2.3 These Terms prevail over any terms proposed by the Subcontractor unless agreed in writing by a Director of the Company.

3. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

3.1 The Subcontractor acts as an independent contractor.
3.2 Nothing creates employment, partnership or agency.
3.3 The Subcontractor is responsible for all taxes, wages, pensions, licences and operating costs.

4. COMPLIANCE

4.1 The Subcontractor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
4.2 The Subcontractor shall maintain all licences, authorisations and approvals required to perform the Services.

5. DRIVERS

5.1 Drivers must hold appropriate licences and qualifications.
5.2 Drivers must be legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom.
5.3 Drivers shall behave professionally and courteously.

6. VEHICLES

6.1 Vehicles must be roadworthy and legally compliant.
6.2 Vehicles must be appropriately equipped, maintained and insured.
6.3 Vehicles shall be suitable for the Assignment.

7. INSURANCE

7.1 The Subcontractor shall maintain Goods in Transit, Public Liability, Motor and Hire & Reward Insurance and Employers' Liability Insurance where required.
7.2 Minimum Goods in Transit cover shall be £25,000 for vehicles up to 3.5 tons and £55,000 for vehicles over 3.5 tons.  Additional insurance may be required on specific jobs.
7.3 Renewal certificates shall be supplied on request.
7.4 Any lapse, cancellation or material change must be reported immediately.

8. SERVICE STANDARDS

8.1 Services shall be performed with reasonable care, skill and diligence.
8.2 Delays, incidents and complaints must be reported immediately.
8.3 Proof of Delivery shall be obtained where required.

9. COLLECTIONS AND DELIVERIES

9.1 The Subcontractor shall attend as instructed.
9.2 Goods shall be loaded, secured, transported and delivered safely.
9.3 Site rules and customer instructions shall be followed.

10. REMOVALS & COURIER SERVICES

10.1 Suitable protective materials and handling equipment shall be used.
10.2 Property shall be protected during removals operations.

11. FREIGHT AND HAULAGE

11.1 Loads shall be legally secured.
11.2 Applicable weight limits and transport regulations shall be observed.

12. PROHIBITED GOODS

12.1 Unless authorised in writing, prohibited goods include hazardous substances, explosives, firearms, illegal goods, cash, securities, jewellery and precious metals.

13. LOSS, DAMAGE AND CLAIMS

13.1 The Subcontractor shall be liable for loss, theft, deterioration, mis-delivery or damage whilst Goods are in its custody or control.
13.2 Incidents must be reported immediately and within 24 hours at the latest.
13.3 The Subcontractor shall cooperate fully with investigations.

14. INDEMNITY

14.1 The Subcontractor shall indemnify the Company against all losses, liabilities, costs and claims arising from breach, negligence, misconduct, insurance failures or unlawful conduct.