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Storage Agreement

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General Form of Warehouse Storage Agreement

Storage Agreement made the day of , 20 ,

between , a corporation organized and existing under the laws of , with its principal office located at , (the Warehouseman), and

, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of , with its principal office located at , referred to herein as the Depositor.

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:

I. Rates for Storage and Handling. Depositor engages Warehouseman to perform, and Warehouseman agrees to perform, storage and handling of the following merchandise (the 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 Weight Storage Rate Per Month Handling In & Out Rate

II. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall be operative for a period of months, commencing , and ending .

III. Storage of Goods.

A. All charges for storage are per and 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.

IV. Handling of Goods.

A. The handling rates set forth in Section I 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.

V. 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, fax, 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.

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

VII. 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 if 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.

VIII. Tender for Storage. All goods for storage shall be delivered at Warehouseman's Warehouse at , 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.

IX. Shipping of Goods. Depositor agrees not to ship goods to Warehouseman as the named consignee. If, 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.

X. 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.

XI. Moving of Goods.

A. Warehouseman reserves the right to move, at Warehouseman's expense, days after notice sent by 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.

XII. 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. If 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 days after advertisement or posting as is required by law.

C. If, 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.

XIII. 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.

XIV. 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. If 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. If 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.

XV. Liability of Warehouseman

A. Warehouseman shall not be liable for any loss or injury to goods however caused unless the loss or injury results from failure by Warehouseman to exercise such care in regard to goods as a reasonably 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 Warehouseman against loss or injury however caused.

C. Depositor declares that damages are limited to $ . (Dollar amount of limit of liability).

XVI. 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 days after delivery of goods by Warehouseman or 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 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 registered or certified mail to Depositor or to the last known holder of a Negotiable Warehouse receipt issued for goods.

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

XVIII. Effect of Agreement. The rights and liabilities set forth in this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding on, Warehouseman and Depositor and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

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

(Name of Warehouse Company)

By:

(Signature of Officer)

(Printed Name & Office in Corporation)

(Name of Depositor)

By:

(Signature of Officer)

(Printed Name & Office in Corporation)

Enter text✕

What a Storage Agreement Covers

A Storage Agreement is a contract that sets the terms under which a provider stores another party’s tangible property, goods, or records. It defines the parties, description of stored items, access rules, payment and late-fee schedules, liability limits, insurance responsibilities, lien and sale rights, and conditions for termination or abandonment. The agreement may require signature, delivery and pickup procedures, notice periods for default, and dispute-resolution provisions. Storage Agreements are used by self-storage facilities, warehouses, logistics providers, and organizations that retain physical records or equipment.

Why a Formal Storage Agreement Matters

A clear Storage Agreement reduces ambiguity about custody, payment, liability and lien rights, and helps prevent disputes. For electronic signing and recordkeeping, the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA (1999) recognize e-signatures in most U.S. jurisdictions; state rules and narrow exceptions may still apply.

Why a Formal Storage Agreement Matters

Who Commonly Prepares and Signs This Agreement

Tailor responsibilities and signature authority to the operational model: retail self-storage, commercial warehousing, or specialized record storage (medical or legal files).

  • Self-storage operators and managers responsible for access, billing, and lien enforcement.
  • Warehouse and logistics teams that move, inventory, and insure third-party goods.
  • Business owners and institutional record custodians placing long-term storage orders.

Primary Signer Types

Facility Manager

Manages the storage location, enforces payment and access policies, and typically signs on behalf of the provider after verifying insurance and inventory controls.

Customer / Tenant

Rents storage space or contracts for record custody; signs to accept terms, provide contact and payment details, and consent to lien or disposal clauses where permitted.

Essential Clauses to Include in a Storage Agreement

A professional Storage Agreement should be concise but comprehensive so rights and obligations are clear and enforceable across scenarios.

Identification

Full legal names for provider and customer, physical addresses, and billing contact to establish parties and service location.

Item Description

Clear description or inventory reference for stored goods, including hazardous materials restrictions and any special handling requirements.

Term and Access

Start date, renewal or termination mechanics, permitted access times, and any conditions for third-party pickup or access authorization.

Payment Terms

Rent, security deposit, accepted payment methods, late fees, grace periods, and procedures for charging past-due amounts.

Liability & Insurance

Limitations of liability, disclaimers for loss/damage, and whether the provider or customer must maintain insurance and proof thereof.

Lien and Disposal

Notice requirements for lien enforcement, statutory cure periods, and procedures for auction or disposal consistent with state law.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Storage Agreement

Follow these steps in order to prepare, review and execute the Storage Agreement efficiently and consistently.

  • 01
    Prepare the Draft: Populate parties, item descriptions, dates, and fees.
  • 02
    Confirm Insurance: Verify required insurance proof or waiver.
  • 03
    Review Legal Terms: Check liability, lien, and disposal provisions.
  • 04
    Execute Signatures: Obtain signatures and retain the executed copy for records.

Typical Processing Flow for a Storage Agreement

A consistent workflow reduces processing time and preserves auditability from execution through storage lifecycle.

  • Upload Document: Add the agreement to your platform or document repository.
  • Place Fields: Insert signature, initials, and date fields where required.
  • Send to Signers: Email or share signing link with authentication as needed.
  • Store Signed Copy: Deliver executed PDF and capture an audit trail.

Recommended Digital Workflow Settings

Configure these settings when sending the agreement for electronic signature to match compliance and operational needs.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Sequential for provider then customer
Authentication Email link plus optional SMS code
Retention Save executed PDF and audit trail permanently
Notifications Send reminders at 3 and 7 days before due

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Delivery

Choose a platform that encrypts records at rest and in transit, produces a tamper-evident signed PDF, and integrates with your document management systems.

  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS codes, or KBA
  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: CRM and storage connectors

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Storage Agreements

Compare core pricing and features relevant to Storage Agreement workflows; signNow appears first for reference. Confirm vendor plans directly for current details.

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 vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Included on premium Varies by plan Varies by plan Included on higher tiers Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Essential Data Elements to Capture

Tenant Identity: Full legal name
Contact Information: Address and phone
Item Details: Description and serials
Unit Identifier: Unit or bay number
Payment Terms: Rent and due dates
Signature Data: Signer name and date

Potential Legal and Financial Risks

Lien Dispute: Sale reversal risk
Loss or Damage: Limited recovery
Late Fees: Accruing penalties
Bankruptcy: Automatic stay impacts enforcement
Data Breach: Exposure of contact or inventory data
Invalid Signature: Enforceability challenges

Frequent Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to describe the stored items clearly, which can create disputes about value and ownership.
  • Omitting notice procedures for lien enforcement, leading to unsatisfied statutory requirements before disposition.
  • Using ambiguous payment language or unclear late-fee formulas that invite collections disputes.
  • Relying on unsigned or partially signed agreements and failing to retain an executed copy with audit data.

Real-World Examples of Storage Agreement Use

These examples show how organizations apply Storage Agreements to reduce friction and preserve rights in custody scenarios.

Martin Properties

A property manager standardized storage clauses across multiple sites to centralize billing and access control.

  • Streamlined tenant onboarding and payment collection across locations.
  • The result reduced processing time and improved compliance with lien notice procedures while maintaining consistent liability and insurance requirements for all tenants.

Optica Ventures LLC

A logistics firm attached itemized exhibits to each agreement to clarify custody and condition.

  • Exhibits included serial numbers and photos for high-value equipment.
  • This practice simplified damage claims, supported insurance recovery, and gave contract clarity for both warehouse personnel and customers.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt these practices to minimize errors, accelerate execution, and improve compliance for Storage Agreement workflows.

Use a Standard Template
Maintain a single template with modular clauses for optional services, insurance requirements, and location-specific legal language to speed review and ensure consistency.
Attach an Inventory Exhibit
Include a dated, signed exhibit listing stored items, serial numbers and photos to reduce later disputes over condition or ownership.
Record Execution Metadata
Capture signer IP, timestamp, authentication method and the final signed PDF to create a defensible audit trail if enforceability is questioned.
Coordinate with Collections
Align notice templates and lien procedures with state law and collections teams to ensure steps are met before disposition or auction.

Key Deadlines and Notice Periods to Track

Monitor payment, notice, and disposition timelines to stay within statutory and contractual windows.

Payment Due Date:

Specify the monthly due date and any grace period for late payments.

Late Fee Notice:

Provide timeline for when late fees apply and how they are calculated.

Cure Period:

State the period a tenant has to cure a default before lien steps.

Disposition Notice:

Give required advance notice before auction or disposal per state law.

Record Retention:

Retain executed agreement and notices per retention policy and legal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Storage Agreement

Answers to common execution, enforceability, and compliance questions for Storage Agreements in U.S. practice.


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