Stuarts Towing Services Terms and Conditions of Business
By engaging the services of Stuarts Towing Services Ltd (“the Company”), you, the Consignor or Consignee, are deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions. These terms govern the provision of transportation and storage services and outline the responsibilities and liabilities of all parties involved.
1. Definitions
- Consignor: The individual or entity selling or dispatching an item (the “Seller”).
- Consignee: The individual or entity financially responsible for the item (the “Client” or “Buyer”).
- Services: Transportation, storage, and related services provided by Stuarts Towing Services Ltd.
These Terms and Conditions explain the Company’s obligations to you and your obligations to the Company. They include important provisions that limit or exclude the Company’s liability.
2. Booking and Payment Terms
2.1 Booking Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the quoted fee is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is payable in full prior to or upon completion of the Services, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Payments may be made via bank transfer, credit card, or debit card.
2.2 Pre-Approved Account Payment Terms
(a) For clients with pre-approved accounts, payments must be made via BACS within 14 days of the invoice date, unless otherwise specified.
(b) Late payments will incur a £60 administration fee for every 14-day period beyond the due date. The Company reserves the right to pursue additional costs or legal action for non-payment.
3. Loading and Unloading
3.1 All loading and unloading of vehicles or items onto the Company’s transport vehicles will be performed exclusively by the Company’s driver. No exceptions permitted.
3.2 The Consignor or Consignee is responsible for arranging and funding any additional equipment (e.g., forklift, crane) required for loading or unloading.
3.3 Operators of additional equipment must follow the instructions of the Company’s driver.
3.4 If a vehicle or item is not in the condition described (e.g., does not start, drive, or roll), additional charges will apply.
3.5 The Company allocates 20 minutes for loading and unloading. Waiting time beyond this period will incur a charge of £60 per hour.
3.6 If collection or delivery cannot be completed for reasons beyond the Company’s control (e.g., inaccurate description, refusal to release), the Company reserves the right to retain any funds already paid.
3.7 Additional charges may apply for delays caused by poor access, undisclosed damage, seized brakes, or other issues preventing timely loading or unloading.
4. Consignor and Consignee Responsibilities
4.1 The Consignor or Consignee must ensure that all items on the vehicle are securely fastened for transport.
4.2 The Consignor or Consignee is responsible for verifying the condition of the vehicle or item prior to transport. The Company accepts no liability for unseen items purchased.
4.3 The Company may provide basic inspections (e.g., bodywork condition) but is not liable for discrepancies.
4.4 All keys and documentation must be provided to the driver or placed within the vehicle.
4.5 Undisclosed or overweight items may be refused or charged additionally.
4.6 Payment for the vehicle or item must be cleared and the item ready for collection upon arrival.
5. Passengers
Passengers are not permitted to travel in the Company’s vehicles, except in cases of emergency or roadside recovery at the sole discretion of the driver.
6. Conduct
Unacceptable, threatening, offensive, or illegal behaviour towards the Company’s staff or representatives will not be tolerated. The Company reserves the right to refuse service in such circumstances, with no refund provided.
7. Overnight Storage
7.1 Vehicles or items stored at the Company’s compound are covered by the Company’s insurance, subject to its terms.
7.2 Where overnight stops are required, the Consignor or Consignee must arrange security. The Company accepts no liability during such stops.
8. Vehicle Storage
8.1 Vehicles stored at the Company’s premises are kept outdoors and not covered by Company insurance.
8.2 The Consignor or Consignee must arrange their own insurance if desired.
8.3 The Company is not liable for damage caused by weather or environmental factors.
8.4 Storage fees, if applicable, must be paid in line with payment terms.
9. Damage Liability
9.1 The Company is not liable for minor damage (e.g., stone chips, dents, scratches) caused during open transport.
9.2 To ensure zero damage, clients are advised to book enclosed transport.
10. Prohibited Uses
The Company’s services may only be used for lawful purposes. Illegal or fraudulent use is strictly prohibited.
11. Website and Social Media Content
11.1 Content may be updated, suspended, or discontinued without notice.
11.2 All website and social content is protected by copyright.
11.3 The Company may share images of transported or stored vehicles unless written requests are made at the time of booking.
12. Cancellations and Refunds
(a) 14+ days notice: Full refund minus 10% admin fee.
(b) 48 hours to 14 days notice: 75% refund minus 10% admin fee.
(c) Less than 48 hours notice: No refund.
13. Rescheduling
13.1 Requests must be made at least 7 days prior to service date.
13.2 Deposits may be transferred if notice is within 7 days and subject to availability.
13.3 Rescheduling requests with less than 7 days notice require a new deposit.
13.4 If the Company cannot complete a booking due to breakdown or adverse weather, rescheduling will be provided at no cost.
14. Road-Towable Trailers
Trailers must be roadworthy, meet legal requirements, and be fitted with approved lights, tyres, brakes, and hitch. Clients are responsible for tyre, bearing, or brake failures.
15. Subcontractors
The Company may use insured subcontractors. These Terms and Conditions apply to all subcontracted services.
16. Cash Handling
Cash must be placed in sealed security bags with recorded seal numbers. The Company accepts no liability for disputes regarding cash contents.
17. General Provisions
17.1 Governing Law: These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
17.2 Entire Agreement: These Terms supersede all prior agreements.
17.3 Amendments: The Company may amend these Terms at any time.
17.4 Acceptance: By booking, you confirm acceptance of these Terms.
Stuarts Towing Services Ltd
Registered in England and Wales
By making any booking with Stuarts Towing Services you agree to these terms by default.
