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General Storage Agreement

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General Storage Agreement with a Warehouse Company for Storage of Goods

Storage Agreement made on the (date), between (Name of Warehouse Company), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of , with its principal office located at

(street address, city, county, state, zip code), referred to herein as Warehouseman, and (Name of Owner of Goods) of

(street address, city, county, state, zip code), referred to herein as (Depositor);

Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Rates for Storage and Handling

Depositor engages Warehouseman to perform, and Warehouseman agrees to perform, storage and handling of the following merchandise, referred to in this Agreement as goods, at the following rates, as required by Depositor in the course of its business during the term of this Agreement:

Goods Type of Container Size Gross Wt. Storage Rate Handling In & Out Rate

2. Term of Agreement

This Agreement shall be operative for a period of (number) months, commencing (date), and ending (date).

3. Storage of Goods

A. All charges for storage are per (e.g., package) per month.

B. Storage charges become applicable on the date that Warehouseman accepts care, custody, and control of goods, regardless of the unloading date or the date of issue of any warehouse receipt.

C. Except as provided in Paragraph D of this Section, a full month's storage charge shall apply on all goods received between the first and the fifteenth, inclusive, of a calendar month; one-half month's storage charge shall apply on all goods received between the sixteenth and last day, inclusive, of a calendar month; and a full month's storage charge shall apply to all goods in storage on the first day of the next and succeeding calendar months. All such storage charges are due and payable on the first day of storage for the initial month and subsequently on the first day of the calendar month.

D. When mutually agreed on by Warehouseman and Depositor, a storage month shall extend from a date in one calendar month to, but not including, the same date of the next and all succeeding months. All storage charges are due and payable on the first day of the storage month.

4. Handling of Goods

A. The handling rates set forth in Section 1 cover the ordinary labor involved in receiving goods at the warehouse door, placing goods in storage, and returning goods to the warehouse door. Handling charges are due and payable on receipt of goods.

B. Unless otherwise agreed, the following services shall be subject to an additional charge:

1. Labor for unloading and loading goods.

2. Receipt and handling of damaged goods.

3. Unloading from or loading into cars or other vehicles not at the warehouse door.

4. Labor and materials used in loading rail cars or other vehicles.

5. Handling of goods ordered out in quantities less than in which received.

C. Warehouseman shall not be liable for demurrage, delays in unloading inbound cars, or delays in obtaining and loading cars for outbound shipment unless Warehouseman has failed to exercise reasonable care.

5. Special Services

Special services, including but not limited to the following, shall be provided by Warehouseman to Depositor subject to additional charge:

A. Warehouse labor required for services other than ordinary handling and storage.

B. Receipt or delivery of goods, by prior arrangement, in other than usual business hours.

C. Provision of dunnage, bracing, packing materials, or other special supplies.

D. Communication services, including postage, teletype, telegram, or telephone, if the services concern more than normal inventory reporting or if, at the request of Depositor, communications are made by other than regular United States mail.

E. Compiling of special stock statements.

F. Reporting marked weights, serial numbers, or other data from packages.

G. Physical check of goods.

H. Handling transit billing.

6. Bonded Storage

Storage of merchandise in bond shall be subject to a charge in addition to regular rates.

7. Minimum Charges

Minimum charges shall be assessed as follows:

A. A minimum storage charge per month.

B. A minimum handling charge per lot.

C. A minimum monthly charge for each account in the event that Depositor has several accounts, each requiring separate records and billing.

D. A minimum charge per mark, brand, or variety, when a warehouse receipt covers more than one lot or when a lot is in assortment.

8. Tender for Storage

All goods for storage shall be delivered at Warehouseman's warehouse at

(street address, city, county, state, zip code), properly marked and packaged for handling. Depositor shall furnish at or prior to such delivery a manifest showing marks, brands, or sizes to be kept and accounted for separately, and the class of storage and other services desired.

9. Shipping of Goods

Depositor covenants and agrees not to ship goods to Warehouseman as the named consignee. In the event that, in violation of this Agreement, goods are shipped to Warehouseman as named consignee, Depositor shall notify the carrier of goods in writing prior to the shipment, with a copy of the notice sent to Warehouseman, that Warehouseman is a warehouseman and has no beneficial title or interest in goods. Further, Depositor shall indemnify Warehouseman against any and all claims for unpaid transportation charges, including under charges, demurrage, detention charges, or charges of any other nature, in connection with goods so shipped. In the event that Depositor fails to notify the carrier in accordance with this provision, Warehouseman shall have the right to refuse goods and shall not be liable or responsible for any loss, injury, or damage to goods.

10. Refusal of Goods

Warehouseman may refuse to accept goods tendered for storage or other services that do not conform to the description contained in this Agreement. If Warehouseman accepts such goods, Depositor agrees to rates and charges as may be assessed and invoiced by Warehouseman as well as to all terms of this Agreement.

11. Moving of Goods

A. Warehouseman reserves the right to move, at Warehouseman's expense, days after notice sent by (i.e., certified) mail to Depositor or to the last known holder of a negotiable warehouse receipt covering such goods, any goods in storage from the warehouse in which they may be stored to any other of Warehouseman's warehouses. If, however, Depositor or holder takes delivery of the goods in lieu of transfer, no storage charge shall be made for the current storage month.

B. Warehouseman may, without notice, move goods within the warehouse in which they are stored.

12. Termination of Storage

A. On written notice to Depositor and to any other person known by Warehouseman to claim an interest in goods, Warehouseman may require the removal of any goods by the end of the next succeeding storage month. Notice shall be given to the last known place of business or residence of the person to be notified. If goods are not removed before the end of the next succeeding storage month, Warehouseman may sell them in accordance with applicable law.

B. In the event that Warehouseman, in good faith, believes that goods are about to deteriorate or decline in value to less than the amount of Warehouseman's lien before the end of the next succeeding storage month, Warehouseman may specify in the notification any reasonable shorter time for removal of goods. If goods are not so removed, Warehouseman may sell goods at public sale held (number) days after advertisement or posting as is required by law.

C. In the event that, as a result of a quality or condition of goods of which Warehouseman had no notice at the time of deposit, goods are a hazard to other property, to the warehouse in which goods are stored, or to any person, Warehouseman may sell goods at public or private sale without advertisement on reasonable notification to all persons known to claim an interest in goods. If Warehouseman, after a reasonable effort, is unable to sell goods, Warehouseman may dispose of goods in any lawful manner and shall incur no liability by reason of such disposition.

13. Transfer by Depositor

Instructions by Depositor to Warehouseman to transfer goods on the books of Warehouseman are not effective until delivered to and accepted by Warehouseman, and all charges up to the time transfer is made are chargeable to depositor. If a transfer involves rehandling goods, such rehandling shall be subject to a charge.

14. Delivery of Goods

A. Goods shall be delivered or transferred only on receipt by Warehouseman of complete instructions properly signed by Depositor. When no negotiable warehouse receipt is outstanding, goods may also be delivered on instructions over the telephone in accordance with a prior written authorization, but Warehouseman shall not be responsible for loss or error occasioned by such delivery.

B. When goods are ordered out, a reasonable time shall be given Warehouseman to carry out instructions. In the event that Warehouseman is unable because of acts of God, war, public enemies, seizure under legal process, strikes, lockouts, riots, or any other reason beyond Warehouseman's control, because of loss or destruction of goods for which Warehouseman is not liable, or because of any other excuse provided by law, Warehouseman shall not be liable for failure to carry out such instructions, and goods remaining in storage shall continue to be subject to regular storage charges.

C. In the event that a negotiable warehouse receipt has been issued, no goods covered by that receipt shall be delivered, or transferred on the books of Warehouseman, unless the receipt, properly endorsed, is surrendered for cancellation or for endorsement of partial delivery. If a negotiable receipt is lost or destroyed, delivery of goods may be made only on order of a court of competent jurisdiction and the posting of security approved by the court.

15. Liability of Warehousemen

A. Warehouseman shall not be liable for any loss or injury to goods however caused unless the loss or injury results from failure by Warehousemen to exercise such care in regard to goods as a reasonable careful person would exercise under like circumstances, and Warehouseman is not liable for damages that could not have been avoided by the exercise of such care.

B. Goods are not insured by Warehousemen against loss or injury however caused.

C. Depositor declares that damages are limited to $ .

16. Notice of Claim; Filing of Suit

A. Claims by Depositor and all other persons must be presented in writing to Warehouseman within a reasonable time, and in no event later than either (number) days after delivery of goods by Warehouseman or (number) days after Depositor or the last known holder of a negotiable warehouse receipt issued for goods is notified by Warehouseman that loss or injury to all or any part of goods has occurred, whichever time is shorter.

B. No action may be maintained by Depositor or others against Warehouseman for loss or injury to goods unless timely written claim has been given as provided in Paragraph A of this Section and unless such action is commenced either within (number) months after the date of delivery by Warehouseman or within months after Depositor or the last known holder of a negotiable warehouse receipt is notified that loss or injury to all or any part of goods has occurred, whichever time is shorter.

C. When goods have not been delivered, notice may be given of known loss or injury to goods by mailing of a letter by (e.g., certified) mail to Depositor or to the last known holder of a negotiable warehouse receipt issued for goods.

17. Cancellation of Agreement

This Agreement may be canceled by either Warehouseman or Depositor on (number) days' written notice and is canceled if no storage or other services are performed under this agreement for a period of (number) consecutive days.

18. No Waiver

The failure of either party to this Agreement to insist upon the performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the waiver of any breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as subsequently waiving any such terms and conditions, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred.

19. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of .

20. Notices

Any notice provided for or concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given when sent by certified or registered mail if sent to the respective address of each party as set forth at the beginning of this Agreement.

21. Attorney’s Fees

In the event that any lawsuit is filed in relation to this Agreement, the unsuccessful party in the action shall pay to the successful party, in addition to all the sums that either party may be called on to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful party's attorney fees.

22. Mandatory Arbitration

Any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding arbitration of the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select one arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force and effect.

23. Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement shall not be binding upon either party except to the extent incorporated in this Agreement.

24. Modification of Agreement

Any modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement shall be binding only if placed in writing and signed by each party or an authorized representative of each party.

25. Assignment of Rights

The rights of each party under this Agreement are personal to that party and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the prior, express, and written consent of the other party.

26. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

(Name of Warehouse Company)

(Signature of Depositor)

By:

(Name and Office in Corporation)

Enter text✕

What a General Storage Agreement Covers

A General Storage Agreement is a contractual arrangement that sets the terms under which one party stores goods, materials, or personal property for another. It defines the parties, the description and condition of stored items, storage location, fees and payment terms, access and retrieval procedures, insurance and liability allocation, duration and termination, claims handling, and any regulatory compliance requirements. The agreement also typically specifies inspection rights, inventory reconciliation methods, indemnities, and dispute resolution. Properly drafted, the document clarifies responsibilities and reduces disputes over loss, damage, or unauthorized access.

Why a Formal Storage Agreement Matters

A written General Storage Agreement allocates risk, documents custody and condition, secures payment terms, and clarifies insurance and liability. It supports loss recovery, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency for both storage providers and customers.

Why a Formal Storage Agreement Matters

Who Typically Uses a General Storage Agreement

Common parties include warehouse operators, commercial shippers, manufacturers, and private individuals storing goods.

  • Warehouse operators and third-party logistics providers managing inventory, shipments, and access controls for clients.
  • Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers storing raw materials, finished goods, or seasonal inventory in commercial facilities.
  • Individuals and businesses using self-storage or specialized climate-controlled facilities for long-term or short-term storage.

The agreement is useful for any arrangement where possession, access, or care of stored property needs formal terms and risk allocation.

Essential Clauses to Include in Your Agreement

A professional General Storage Agreement organizes obligations, limits exposure, and defines operational details so both parties know their rights and responsibilities.

Parties & Recitals

Identify full legal names and business types of the owner and storage provider; include authority and primary contact information for notices and billing.

Description of Goods

Provide a clear, itemized description of stored property, including serial numbers, quantities, condition at delivery, hazardous classification, and any storage restrictions.

Fees & Payment

Specify storage rates, billing cycle, late fees, accepted payment methods, and security deposit terms, plus remedies for nonpayment and lien rights where permitted by law.

Term & Termination

State the agreement start date, renewal terms, required notice periods for termination, and procedures for abandonment, sale, or disposal of unclaimed property.

Liability & Insurance

Allocate risk with liability caps, carve-outs for negligence or willful misconduct, required insurance limits, and procedures for filing and resolving claims.

Access & Inventory

Define authorized persons, access hours, inspection protocols, inventory reconciliation, chain-of-custody records, and requirements for removal or substitution of goods.

Required Information and Key Data Elements

Party Names: Full legal names
Contact Details: Address, phone, email
Goods Description: Itemized list
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format
Payment Terms: Rate and due date
Signature Blocks: Signer, title, date

Penalties and Common Legal Risks

Loss Liability: Potential uninsured loss
Late Payment: Accrued fees and liens
Improper Storage: Regulatory fines possible
Invalid Signature: Contract unenforceable risk
Abandonment: Disposition or sale risk
Breach Claims: Damages and litigation

Frequent Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of stored goods that make inventory reconciliation impossible and hinder insurance or recovery claims.
  • Omitting required insurance limits or failing to require certificates of insurance naming the storage provider as additional insured.
  • Failing to state precise payment dates, allowed payment methods, and late fee calculations, which leads to disputed balances.
  • Neglecting access protocols and authorization procedures, creating security gaps and liability disputes when unauthorized removal occurs.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete a General Storage Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to populate and finalize a clear, enforceable agreement.

  • 01
    Identify Parties: Enter full legal entity names and mailing addresses accurately.
  • 02
    Describe Goods: Provide itemized lists, quantities, and condition notes.
  • 03
    Set Fees: Specify rates, billing cycle, and late fee terms.
  • 04
    Sign and Date: Ensure authorized signers execute and date the document.

Typical Routing and Execution Process

A reliable routing sequence helps ensure signature validity and traceability from draft to archive.

  • Draft: Prepare the agreement with complete fields and exhibits.
  • Review: Provide to counterparty for negotiation and redline review.
  • Sign: Execute via wet signature or compliant electronic signature.
  • Archive: Store executed copy and retention metadata in records system.

Digital Workflow Settings for eExecution

Configure your digital workflow to capture intent, attribution, and an auditable record of execution.

Field Configuration
Signature Method eSignature (ESIGN/UETA compliant) or wet signature
Authentication Email link, SMS OTP, or advanced MFA
Retention Format PDF/A with audit trail metadata
Access Controls Role-based permissions and document-level restrictions

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Storage

Confirm that the selected provider supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, AES-256 encryption at rest, TLS in transit, and provides a detailed audit trail including timestamps, IP addresses, and signer attribution for evidentiary purposes.

  • Supported Formats: PDF, DOCX, and standardized exports
  • Integrations: CRM, ERP, cloud storage
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA

Key Dates and Notice Periods to Include

Specify all critical timelines within the agreement to avoid ambiguity about performance and remedies.

Effective Date:

Date when rights and obligations begin; use MM/DD/YYYY

Payment Due Dates:

Monthly or agreed billing cycle and grace periods

Insurance Proof Deadline:

Supply COI within 10–30 days of contract start

Cure Period:

Typical 15–30 days to remedy breach

Termination Notice:

Provide 30–90 days as contractually required

Milestones from Agreement Draft to Archived Record

Track milestones so each phase is completed and documented for compliance and operational continuity.

01

Drafting

Prepare initial terms, exhibits, and insurance requirements.

02

Negotiation

Exchange redlines and agree on final language and attachments.

03

Execution

Obtain signatures, dates, and proof of authority for signers.

04

Archival

Store final executed PDF and audit trail in records system.

eSignature Solutions Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare common eSignature vendors and core pricing/features; signNow is listed first per comparison convention. Do not rely on this table as the sole source of procurement data.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions about General Storage Agreements

Answers to common procedural and legal questions about execution, eSigning, insurance, and recordkeeping.


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Best Practices for Clear, Enforceable Storage Agreements

Adopt these practices to reduce disputes and improve compliance when using or drafting a General Storage Agreement.

Be Specific
Define goods, quantities, storage conditions, and responsibilities in precise terms to avoid interpretation gaps.
Require Insurance
Mandate minimum insurance coverage and verify certificates before accepting goods into storage.
Document Condition
Use joint inspection reports and photographs at intake to establish baseline condition and protect both parties.
Preserve Records
Maintain executed PDFs, audit trails, and communications in a secure, backed-up records system for the full retention period.

Example Use Cases and Real-World Scenarios

Representative scenarios show how agreements are adapted to specific operational needs and risk profiles.

Warehouse Service Agreement

A regional 3PL stored retail inventory under temperature-controlled conditions and required detailed delivery manifests at intake

  • The provider required monthly COIs and inventory reconciliation
  • The signed agreement reduced chargebacks by clarifying liability and inspection timing, improving dispute resolution.

Self-Storage Customer Contract

A customer rented a storage unit for household goods and the facility included property condition checklist at move-in

  • The facility required digital payment authorization and late fee schedule
  • Clear notice and auction procedures minimized loss and streamlined disposition of abandoned units.

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