Service Agreement
A concise contract that sets term, scope of services, indemnities, liability caps, insurance requirements, and termination rights; use explicit definitions for 'loss', 'delay', and 'force majeure'.
A clear Logistics Service Package reduces operational friction by aligning service expectations, minimizing billing disputes, and making compliance obligations explicit. It improves handoffs between procurement, operations, and carriers and provides a single reference for audits, claims, and regulatory reviews.
Final approval often requires signature authority from both the shipper and an authorized representative of the carrier or 3PL to create an enforceable agreement.
A named Logistics Director or VP of Supply Chain typically has delegated contracting authority to sign service packages up to a stated monetary threshold. Their signature binds the shipper for operational and billing obligations and often requires corporate delegation documentation.
Carriers or 3PLs must sign through an authorized officer or delegated agent listed in a corporate resolution or onboarding form; that signer accepts liability limits, insurance terms, and claims procedures on behalf of the provider.
A concise contract that sets term, scope of services, indemnities, liability caps, insurance requirements, and termination rights; use explicit definitions for 'loss', 'delay', and 'force majeure'.
Detailed pricing for lanes, accessorials, demurrage, detention, fuel surcharges, and billing cadence; include currency, taxes, and charge dispute procedure to avoid invoicing disagreements.
Operational instructions including pickup/delivery windows, palletization, packaging, labeling, special handling, equipment needs, and accepted shipment sizes to prevent service failures.
Required limits for cargo and liability, required endorsements, and certificate of insurance format plus instruction to name the shipper as certificate holder if needed.
A step-by-step claims workflow with time limits for notice, documentation required for proof of loss, and contact points to streamline recovery and reduce disputes.
Any regulatory or industry-specific clauses such as hazmat handling, temperature control, customs documentation, or data-protection addenda that must be followed during performance.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Set shipper first, carrier second to ensure acceptance precedes service. |
| Authentication | Use email or SMS code; use stronger KBA for high-value loads. |
| Required Attachments | Require certificate of insurance and W-9/ACH for billing setup. |
| Audit Trail | Enable IP, timestamp, and action logging for each signer. |
Choose a channel that balances accessibility for carriers with security and retention requirements for the shipper and auditors.
Complete signature and documents before first scheduled pickup.
Verify active certificates at least 30 days before expiration.
Provide notice within the carrier's specified window to preserve rights.
Submit invoices per the agreed billing cycle to avoid late disputes.
Begin negotiation three months prior to expiry for continuity.
Procurement issues the package request and requirements to prospective carriers.
Rates and exceptions are agreed and documented in the draft package.
Authorized signers execute the final package with supporting documents attached.
Operations receives routing guides, SOW, and contact points to start services.
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| 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 |