Can I sign this agreement electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided parties show intent, consent, attribution, and retention. Exceptions exist for wills, certain court filings, and some notices — verify statutory exceptions before electing e-signature.

Are electronic signatures enforceable for bills of lading?

Generally yes under ESIGN and UETA, but negotiable bills of lading and certain UCC instruments may have specific requirements. For transfers of title or bank requirements, confirm the receiving bank or carrier accepts electronic or digital formats.

What should I do if cargo is damaged or lost?

Follow the contract claims process immediately: document damage with photos, retain packaging and inspection reports, and notify carrier and insurer as required. Failure to follow notice procedures in the agreement or carrier terms can jeopardize recovery.

Who is authorized to sign for a company?

Authorized officers or agents with express authority should sign. Confirm signatory authority in corporate records, purchase orders, or delegation documents. Electronic platforms can capture signer identity and role to support evidentiary needs.

Is notarization or witnesses required?

Not typically required for commercial cargo agreements, though finance, customs, or bank requirements may ask for notarization. Remote online notarization availability varies by state; check state notary rules before using RON for execution.

How long must I retain signed agreements?

Retain the agreement for the active term plus a minimum of 3 years for tax and audit purposes (IRC §6501(a)). If PHI is involved, follow HIPAA retention of 6 years (45 CFR §164.530(j)). Consider longer retention for industry-specific audits.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Shipping Cargo Agreement

Shipping Cargo Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

SHIPPING CARGO AGREEMENT

This Shipping Cargo Agreement ("Agreement") is made on by and between Shipper Name: (hereinafter "Shipper") and Carrier Name: (hereinafter "Carrier"). Shipper and Carrier are sometimes individually referred to as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Shipper desires to engage Carrier to transport certain goods described below from the pickup location to the delivery location under the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Carrier is engaged in the business of transporting goods and represents that it has the necessary authority, equipment, personnel and insurance to provide the services contemplated by this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Parties intend to define their respective rights, responsibilities and liabilities with respect to the transport, handling and delivery of such cargo.

SCOPE OF WORK

Scope of Services

CARGO DETAILS

Description of Goods Number of Packages Gross Weight Dimensions (L x W x H) Declared Value Pickup Address Delivery Address

Requested Pickup Date:

Requested Delivery Date:

Special Handling Instructions

PAYMENT TERMS

Compensation: Shipper shall pay Carrier the sum of as full freight and handling charges for the Services described in this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Payment Schedule / Terms

Payment is due within days from invoice date. Late payments shall accrue interest at on the unpaid balance, or the highest rate permitted by applicable law, whichever is lower.

Billing Contact Billing Address

TERM AND TERMINATION

Term: This Agreement commences on and continues until unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement.

Either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' prior written notice to the other Party. Either Party may terminate immediately for material breach by the other Party if such breach remains uncured for a period of 10 days after written notice specifying the breach.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each Party shall keep confidential all non-public information disclosed by the other Party in connection with this Agreement that is marked confidential or by its nature should be reasonably understood to be confidential, and shall not disclose such information except to employees, agents or subcontractors who have a need to know and who are bound by confidentiality obligations at least as protective as those set forth herein. The obligation of confidentiality shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years.

LIABILITY; INSURANCE; INDEMNITY

Carrier's liability for loss or damage to cargo shall be limited to unless a higher declared value is agreed in writing and additional charges are paid. Carrier shall maintain insurance customary for the transportation mode and value of cargo and shall provide proof of insurance upon reasonable request.

Each Party shall defend, indemnify and hold the other harmless from and against any third-party claims, liabilities, losses or expenses arising from its gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with performance under this Agreement, subject to the limitations set forth above.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS; COMPLIANCE

Shipper warrants that all cargo is properly described, packaged and labeled and that no hazardous materials are included unless they are disclosed in writing and transported in compliance with all applicable laws and Carrier requirements. Shipper shall be liable for all fines, penalties, losses and cleanup costs resulting from its failure to disclose hazardous materials.

CLAIMS PROCEDURE

Any claim for loss, damage or delay must be submitted in writing to the other Party within seven (7) days of delivery for damage or non-delivery claims. Failure to provide timely notice shall constitute a waiver of the claim to the extent permitted by applicable law.

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither Party shall be liable for failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, strikes, labor disputes, government actions, riots, war, pandemics, or transportation disruptions. The affected Party shall provide prompt notice and use commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance.

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, including all schedules and attachments expressly incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, representations and communications, whether written or oral. Any amendment or waiver must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both Parties.

NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses below or to such other address as either Party may designate by notice in accordance with this section.

Shipper Notice Contact Carrier Notice Contact

Shipper:

By:

Date:

Carrier:

By:

Date:

What a Shipping Cargo Agreement Covers

A Shipping Cargo Agreement is a written contract that sets terms between a shipper and a carrier (and often a consignee) governing transportation of goods by land, sea, or air. It defines responsibilities for pickup, stowage, routing, delivery, payment, liability limits, insurance requirements, hazardous materials handling, demurrage, and claims procedures. The agreement can incorporate bills of lading, tariffs, or carrier standard terms and allocates risk for loss or damage. Properly completed agreements create clear operational expectations and support enforceability under applicable transportation and commercial law.

Why a Clear Agreement Matters for Cargo Movement

A Shipping Cargo Agreement clarifies allocation of risk, payment, and claims processes, reducing disputes and facilitating insurance recovery. It documents carrier liability limits and handling instructions, improving operational predictability and legal enforceability under commercial and transportation law (e.g., bills of lading and carrier statutes).

Who Typically Relies on Shipping Cargo Agreements

Typical users include shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, insurers and consignees involved in commercial cargo movement across modes.

Shippers and exporters who need written terms for pickup, payment, insurance, and claims.
Common carriers and trucking lines documenting liability limits, delivery windows, and demurrage rules.
Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers coordinating multiple legs and subcontracted carriers.

Use these agreements whenever goods move under contract to make responsibilities and remedies clear for all parties.

Core Clauses to Include in a Shipping Cargo Agreement

Essential clauses and sections you should include in a Shipping Cargo Agreement to protect parties and manage operational details effectively.

Parties

Full legal names and contact details for shipper, consignee, and carrier; include company registration, point of contact, and physical addresses to ensure proper notice and service.

Scope

Describe goods, packaging, dimensions, weight, incoterms or delivery terms, accepted modes, and any route or carrier restrictions to avoid ambiguity during transport.

Liability

Specify carrier liability limits, applicable statutes or tariffs, higher declared value procedures, and time bars for suit or limitation periods to align with federal and maritime law.

Insurance

State required insurance types and minimum coverage, who procures policies, certificate requirements, and procedures for subrogation and recovery after loss or damage.

Delivery & Care

Handling instructions, temperature control, stowage requirements, delivery acceptance procedures, and demurrage or detention terms, including notification and charging mechanisms.

Claims & Remedies

Claims notice windows, supporting documentation (weight lists, photos, inspection reports), dispute resolution method (mediation, arbitration, jurisdiction), and remedies including repair, replacement, or monetary damages.

How to Prepare and Execute a Shipping Cargo Agreement

Follow these steps to prepare, execute, and process a Shipping Cargo Agreement correctly for a single shipment or ongoing services.

01

Prepare Document: Gather shipper, consignee, and cargo details.
02

Set Terms: Define payment, liability, insurance, and delivery rules.
03

Sign and Date: Obtain signatures per authority rules and ESIGN consent.
04

Distribute Copies: Provide signed copies to carrier, shipper, and insurer.

Configuring an Online Agreement Workflow

Configure your online Shipping Cargo Agreement workflow to automate routing, conditional fields, and signer authentication for faster execution and compliance.

Field	Configuration
Routing	Set signer order; enable parallel where needed
Conditional Fields	Show fields for hazardous goods or high-value shipments only
Authentication	Use email, SMS, or KBA per risk level
Document Retention	Auto-store signed PDF with audit trail for records

Digital Signing and Integration Considerations

Digital execution and electronic submission speed processing and provide audit trails when platforms meet security and legal requirements.

Authentication Methods: Email link, SMS code, knowledge-based authentication
Document Formats: PDF, DOCX, XML supported
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace integrations

Where to Send the Executed Agreement

Routing and submission of the executed agreement vary by party; use documented methods to ensure receipt and proof of delivery.

To Carrier: Email signed PDF and original bill of lading reference.
To Shipper: Return fully executed copy and insurance certificate.
To Insurer: Send certificate of insurance and signed agreement.
To Freight Forwarder: Provide copies for routing and customs processing.

Security and Compliance Checklist

Encryption: AES-256 at rest; TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit

Access Controls: SSO, role-based permissions

Audit Trail: Timestamps, IP address, action log

HIPAA BAA: Available with business associate agreement

21 CFR Part 11: Supports compliance for FDA-regulated records

Data Residency: EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework compliance

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Vague cargo descriptions or missing HS codes lead to customs delays and insurer disputes if loss occurs at border.
Inconsistent names or addresses between agreement and bill of lading complicate claims and may delay payment from banks or insurers.
Failing to declare hazardous materials or special handling requirements can trigger regulatory fines and carrier refusal to carry.
Not aligning payment or demurrage terms with operational processes increases disputes and may cause unexpected storage or detention costs.

Consequences of Incomplete or Incorrect Agreements

Incorrect Carrier: Liability misallocation

Missing Insurance: Claim denial risk

Late Notice: Missed claim deadlines

Hazmat Misdeclaration: Regulatory fines, cargo seizure

Incorrect Consignee: Delivery failure, extra costs

Unsigned Agreement: Enforceability challenges

How Organizations Use Standardized Cargo Agreements

Real-world examples show how standardized shipping agreements reduce turnaround and improve claim handling across organizations.

Tech Data

Tech Data standardized carrier agreements across global shipments to accelerate processing and reduce disputes company-wide.

Improved internal and external customer service.
Bob Dutkowsky, CEO: "Tech Data uses airSlate SignNow to improve our internal and external customer service while increasing our speed to revenue." The standardized agreements led to clearer carrier obligations and reduced manual corrections across logistics operations.

BIS

BIS implemented uniform cargo terms to align legal compliance and auditability across carriers and suppliers.

Focused on compliance and audit trails.
Dan Rotelli, CEO: "We felt most comfortable with airSlate SignNow given their SOC 2 certification and strict focus on ESIGN and UETA act compliance." The change improved documentation for claims and regulator reviews.

Key Timing and Processing Expectations

Timelines depend on carrier terms, insurer requirements, and shipment itinerary; document critical dates clearly to avoid disputes.

Signature Before Loading:

Ensure agreement signed before carrier accepts cargo.

Insurance Certificate Deadline:

Provide insurer certificate prior to shipment pickup.

Delivery Window:

Record promised delivery date and acceptable variance.

Claims Notice Period:

Follow carrier-specified notice window; file promptly.

Record Retention Reminder:

Keep signed agreement and BOL for at least 3 years.

How a Shipping Cargo Agreement Differs from a Bill of Lading

Quick comparison of Shipping Cargo Agreement and a Bill of Lading to clarify role and enforceability of each document in transport operations.

Criteria	Shipping Cargo Agreement	Bill of Lading
Primary Purpose	contract of carriage	receipt and title
Binding Carrier Terms
Goods Receipt
Negotiability		often negotiable
Typical Signature	authorized rep	carrier agent

eSignature Vendor Pricing Snapshot for Executing Cargo Agreements

Comparative pricing and core capabilities for eSignature vendors often used to execute Shipping Cargo Agreements; signNow appears first as the baseline in this snapshot.

	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 free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and practical answers about validity, signatures, claims, notarization, and retention for Shipping Cargo Agreements.

Need help? Contact support

Can I sign this agreement electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided parties show intent, consent, attribution, and retention. Exceptions exist for wills, certain court filings, and some notices — verify statutory exceptions before electing e-signature.
Are electronic signatures enforceable for bills of lading?
Generally yes under ESIGN and UETA, but negotiable bills of lading and certain UCC instruments may have specific requirements. For transfers of title or bank requirements, confirm the receiving bank or carrier accepts electronic or digital formats.
What should I do if cargo is damaged or lost?
Follow the contract claims process immediately: document damage with photos, retain packaging and inspection reports, and notify carrier and insurer as required. Failure to follow notice procedures in the agreement or carrier terms can jeopardize recovery.
Who is authorized to sign for a company?
Authorized officers or agents with express authority should sign. Confirm signatory authority in corporate records, purchase orders, or delegation documents. Electronic platforms can capture signer identity and role to support evidentiary needs.
Is notarization or witnesses required?
Not typically required for commercial cargo agreements, though finance, customs, or bank requirements may ask for notarization. Remote online notarization availability varies by state; check state notary rules before using RON for execution.
How long must I retain signed agreements?
Retain the agreement for the active term plus a minimum of 3 years for tax and audit purposes (IRC §6501(a)). If PHI is involved, follow HIPAA retention of 6 years (45 CFR §164.530(j)). Consider longer retention for industry-specific audits.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now