Carrier/Driver Registration

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION OF THE PREMISES AND THE MUTUAL AGREEMENTS HEREIN CONTAINED, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Offers for Shipment. -  Broker agrees to offer for shipment to Carrier and Carrier agrees to transport in its own equipment tendered shipments and such additional quantities of freight as Broker may tender from time to time to Carrier, subject to the availability of suitable equipment.
2. Term. -  This Agreement shall come into force as of the Effective Date and shall remain in effect until terminated in the manner provided herein.
3. Termination. -  This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days' written notice. However, if all or any portion of Carrier's operating authority or rights shall be revoked or suspended, or Carrier's insurance policy is cancelled, reduced or otherwise invalidated, or Carrier receives an "unsatisfactory" safety rating from any Regulatory Agencies, Carrier shall promptly notify Broker, and Broker may then terminate this Agreement immediately without notice and without further obligation.
4. Compensation. -  Broker agrees to pay Carrier for the transportation services to be rendered under this Agreement in accordance with the rates set forth in Schedule "A" annexed hereto, which shall form an integral part of this Agreement. Modifications or additions to these rates may be agreed to in writing or made verbally and confirmed in writing to meet specific shipping schedules. Confirmation of verbally agreed to rates will be made by a recap faxed or emailed by Broker to Carrier and by the Carrier's pick up of the shipment. All modifications and additions to the rates made either in writing or verbally and confirmed in writing shall be deemed as appendices to and considered a part of this Agreement.
5. Payment.
1. 5.1 Carrier will invoice all charges for transportation services rendered directly and exclusively to Broker and will provide Broker with a the original signed bill(s) of lading, the delivery receipt(s) and any other billing documents reasonably requested by Broker. Provided such documents are received, Broker agrees that it will endeavour to pay all freight charges billed in accordance with the Agreement within thirty (30) days of receipt of Carrier's bill(s) of lading and delivery receipt(s).
2. 5.2 Carrier appoints and designates Broker as its agent for the purpose of invoicing and collection of freight charges and waives any and all rights to claim, demand, or pursue payment from any person other than Broker for all shipments tendered pursuant to this Agreement. Accordingly, Carrier undertakes not to contact in any manner whatsoever Broker's customers, shippers, consignees or any party other than Broker, concerning payment for transportation services, and Carrier agrees that Broker is solely responsible for payment of all freight charges to the Carrier.
3. 5.3 Broker shall have the right to set off claims for loss, damage or delay, and claims for overcharge or duplicate payment, against freight or other charges owed to Carrier.
4. 5.4 Carrier acknowledges that Broker's customers may have specific requirements for delivery by appointment or at specified times due to the nature of their businesses and receiving facilities. Accordingly, if delivery is not made at an appointed time, or within a delivery window, Carrier shall be liable for any penalties or charge backs which may be imposed on Broker by its customers.
5. 5.5 Carrier shall have no lien, and hereby expressly waives its right to any lien on any shipment, freight or property of Broker or any of its customers, shippers or consignees. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Carrier asserts a lien, Carrier specifically concedes as reasonable and agrees to pay the actual cost of replacing the commodities against which the lien is asserted, inclusive of transportation costs, attorney's fees, bond and surety costs and all other costs incidental to actions to recover possession and clear title to and use of any commodities subject to a lien.
6. Equipment.
1. 6.1 Carrier services shall be performed via motor vehicles utilized for Carrier's transportation services (the "Equipment").
2. 6.2 The Equipment will: (i) be in good, safe and serviceable working condition; (ii) have valid inspection stickers for annual mechanical inspection; (iii) be suitable for the particular transportation required, and include any special equipment that is requested and agreed to by Broker when the applicable transportation is placed; and (iv) be properly licensed and comply with the equipment specifications for such transportation prescribed by any applicable Regulatory Agencies. In addition, all drivers and other personnel of Carrier will be competent, properly licensed and legally qualified to operate the Equipment in question.
7. Operating Expenses. -  Carrier shall bear the costs and expenses of all fuel, oil, tires, parts, road services, maintenance and repairs, licences, taxes and tolls in connection with the use and operation of the Equipment and which may be required to keep the Equipment in good repair and mechanical condition. Broker will not be liable to Carrier for any damage sustained by or to Carrier's Equipment or for loss by complication or seizure or Carrier's Equipment by any public authority.
8. Exclusive Control.
1. 8.1 Carrier shall have sole and exclusive control over the manner in which Carrier and its agents perform the transportation services provided for hereunder, and Carrier shall utilize such individuals as it may deem necessary in connection therewith, it being understood and agreed that such individuals shall be subject to discharge, discipline, and control solely and exclusively by Carrier.
2. 8.2 Carrier represents that it is entirely independent and that it is not substantially and economically dependent upon Broker and there is no functional integration of Broker's and Carrier's respective operations.
9. Period of Carrier Responsibility. -  Carrier's duties and responsibilities under this Agreement shall commence when Carrier takes possession and control of Broker's customers' property or upon execution of such bill of lading or receipt by Carrier, which event occurs first, and shall end when consignee signs the bill of lading or delivers a receipt and Carrier delivers the property at destination, or to intermediate stop off party.
10. Substituted Service.
1. 10.1 Carrier agrees not to interline or use other motor carriers, or brokers, or to use substituted services by rail for the transportation of any shipments to be tendered hereunder. If Carrier uses other carriers, brokers or a substituted service of any type, with or without Broker's customers' permission, Carrier agrees to remain liable for any costs, loss, damage or delay to Broker's customers' property incurred in transit to the same extent that Carrier would be liable if it performed the transportation directly.
2. 10.2 Carrier shall not divert or reconsign any shipment except upon written instructions from Broker. Carrier shall not accept instructions for diversion or reconsignment from any consignee without notice to Broker, and written consent of Broker.
11. Hazardous Waste. -  Carrier hereby covenants and agrees that no Equipment that transports commodities for Broker's customers, was ever used to transport refuse, garbage, trash, or solid or liquid waste of any kind whatsoever, whether hazardous or non-hazardous. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event that Carrier breaches the terms to this Section, Broker shall have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement without written notice and hold Carrier liable for any resulting damages.
12. Delay and Accidents. -  Carrier shall notify Broker immediately by telephone, facsimile or email of any accidents, spills, theft, hijacking or other events that impair the safe and prompt delivery of the commodities in its control.
13. On-Hand Freight. -  Carrier shall immediately notify Broker by telephone, facsimile or email of any refused or "on-hand" freight and request additional instructions regarding delivery or storage of the "on-hand" commodities. Such notice by Carrier shall be immediately confirmed in writing, stating the amount, date and time storage charges will be begin to accrue, if any.
14. Bill of Lading and Other Shipping Documents.
1. 14.1 Carrier shall issue a bill of lading for each shipment received by Carrier. Said bill of lading shall indicate the kind, quantity and condition of commodities received by Carrier. Such bill of lading shall be evidence of receipt of such commodities by Carrier in apparent good order and condition unless such commodities are not readily observable (contents and condition of contents of packages unknown) or as may be otherwise noted on the face of such receipt. However, the absence or loss of any such bill of lading or receipt shall not relieve Carrier of its obligations and responsibilities with respect to any services provided hereunder.
2. 14.2 Carrier shall perform the loading, and verified by its signature the safe loading and accurate count and condition of the commodities as set forth in the bill of lading. Exceptions taken by the Carrier with respect to quantity and condition of the commodities at origin must also be noted and signed by shipper or shipper's agent prior to acceptance of the commodities.
3. 14.3 If Broker is erroneously identified as the "carrier" on any bill of lading or other documents at the origin point or in the course of transit, such designation does not in any way modify or amend the relationship between Broker and the Carrier under this Agreement or the role of Broker as a transport service intermediary or broker.
15. Delivery Receipts. -  Carrier shall obtain an acknowledgement of delivery for all shipments by notation on the bill of lading or a delivery receipt, signed and dated by the consignee. The parties agree that the bill of lading or other form of receipt shall be used solely as a receipt for shipment, and to identify the kind and quantity of commodities, place of pick up and delivery, shipper and consignee and other information as required by Broker.
16. Carrier's Operations.
1. 16.1 Carrier shall: (i) have full control of its personnel, including all subcontractors; (ii) perform the services as an independent contractor of, and not an agent or employee of, or joint venturer with Broker; (iii) shall assume complete responsibility for all salaries, commissions, municipal, provincial, federal, foreign and domestic taxes or contribution to taxes, assessments, insurance (including but not limited to, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, disability, pension and social security insurance and any foreign equivalent) and any other financial obligations arising out of the services provided under this Agreement or with respect to the persons engaged in the performance of the services under this Agreement; and (iv) comply with all applicable rules, laws and regulations related thereto.
2. 16.2 Carrier shall have no authority to act on behalf of Broker, except to the extent necessary to perform Carrier's services under this Agreement or as may be requested by Broker from time to time.
17. Compliance with Laws.
1. 17.1 Carrier agrees that all transportation services will be performed in full compliance with federal, provincial, municipal and to the extent applicable, international laws or regulations governing its operations, as well as any legislation and related programs designed to protect transportation activities from terrorist attacks, such as the Custom-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism ("CTPAT") and the Free and Secure Trade initiative.
2. 17.2 Carrier at all times shall maintain all licenses and certifications required to maintain its legal right to act as a licensed carrier at all points of origin and destination.
3. 17.3 Carrier shall maintain a satisfactory safety rating with all Regulatory Agencies.
4. 17.4 Carrier agrees to indemnify Broker for any fines, costs, claims, liability or expenses that may incur and arise out of violations by Carrier of any applicable laws and regulations during Carrier's performance under this Agreement.
18. Cargo Loss and Damage Claims.
1. 18.1 Carrier shall bear responsibility for the safe transport and delivery of the commodities at all times that such commodities are in Carrier's possession, from the time of pick up and loading of the commodities into the Equipment, until the time of delivery of the commodities to their destination, from the time of the actual receipt of the shipment by the Carrier at origin (as evidenced by the carrier's signed bill of lading or other written receipt) until delivery has been made (as evidenced by written proof of delivery or other written receipt signed by the consignee or its agent). Any seals applied to any trailer are not to be broken or removed prior to the delivery at destination without prior written consent from Broker.
2. 18.2 Carrier shall be liable to Broker for actual loss and damage to shipments, and for delayed deliveries, arising from Carrier's performance of or failure to perform the services required by this Agreement. However, Carrier will not be liable for loss, damage, or delay to shipments caused solely by Force Majeure (as defined in Section 31 hereinafter), or the negligence of Broker or its customers, in which case Carrier has the burden of proving applicability of the exception.
3. 18.3 Carrier shall be liable for the total actual value of the shipments tendered by Broker to Carrier, including the freight and other costs, if so paid. The terms "total actual value" means the value of the commodities at the place and time of shipment.
4. 18.4 Broker or its customer shall file a claim for loss, delay or damage to shipment, within sixty (60) days from the date of delivery or in case of non-delivery, within nine (9) months of the date of shipment. Within thirty (30) days of receiving a claim from Broker or its customer for loss, delay or damage, Carrier shall pay or deny the claim (in which case the reasons for denial shall be fully explained in writing to Broker and its customer), or make a firm compromise offer.
5. 18.5 In the event branded or labelled commodities are damaged, Broker's customer may determine, at its entire discretion, whether the commodities can be salvaged, and if salvageable, the value of such salvage. Any salvage receipts shall be deducted from the amount of Broker's claim against Carrier. If Broker's customer permits its commodities to be salvaged, and Carrier pays the total actual value of the damaged commodities, Carrier may retain custody of the commodities after removing all identifying marks or label.
6. 18.6 No released value rate, or other limitation of cargo liability, shall be valid or enforceable against Broker or its customers unless expressly agreed by Broker in a signed writing separate from any bill of lading or other delivery receipt issued by Carrier.
19. Insurance.
1. 19.1 Carrier shall at all times during the term of this Agreement, have and maintain in full force and effect, public liability, property damage, cargo and workers' compensation insurance (as required by law) with reliable insurance companies acceptable to Broker, and in the following minimum amounts, which amounts may be modified by Broker subsequently upon thirty (30) days' written notice:
1. public automobile liability insurance in an amount not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage and endorsement naming Broker as additional insured;
2. comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence;
3. cargo liability insurance in an amount not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per shipment coverage, which covers Broker (and any shipper, consignor, consignee or beneficial owner) in the event of a covered loss;
4. workers compensation insurance as required by law, and which complies with all applicable provincial or state requirements;
5. any additional insurance necessary to meet Canadian and US DOT requirements and all other federal, provincial, state and local requirements in all jurisdictions in which Carrier operates including namely BMC-32 and MCS-90 Endorsements to its cargo insurance policy, in the form required by the FMCSA;
6. all insurance of the Carrier shall be written by insurance companies having a Best's rating B+ or better.
2. 19.2 Carrier's cargo insurance policies shall not exclude coverage for loss from an unattended vehicle or from a trailer detached from the power unit, theft or other criminal acts of Carrier's employees. If said policy contains such exclusions, Carrier shall obtain and furnish a policy extension or surety bond providing such coverage to satisfaction of Broker.
3. 19.3 Evidence of all insurance coverage of Carrier, in the form of a certificate of insurance, shall be provided to Broker upon execution of this Agreement.
4. 19.4 All Carriers' insurance companies shall commit to notify Broker in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to any cancellations, changes or non-renewal of Carrier's insurance policies.
20. Indemnification.
1. 20.1 Carrier shall defend, indemnify, and save Broker, its affiliated entities, customers, shippers, consignees, directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all losses, costs, expenses, claims, demands, liabilities, fines, damages, suits, proceedings or actions (including all reasonable expenses and attorneys' fees) arising out of: (i) any transportation services performed by Carrier hereunder; (ii) injuries to or the death of any person or persons; (iii) loss or damage to the business or property of any person or persons, including the property of Broker; caused by or resulting, whether directly or indirectly, from the receipt, transportation and/or delivery of any shipment subject to this Agreement by Carrier, or any of its agents, employees or sub-contractors (collectively referred to as the "Claims"), including, without limitation, Claims based on a party's breach of warranty and Claims for any violation of any law, ordinance or regulation, except for Claims arising out of Broker's wrongful act or omission or negligence.
2. 20.2 Carrier will hold harmless and indemnify Broker for any claim for insurance premium or any claim by an employee of the Carrier for injuries sustained in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, drivers, lumpers, helpers, agents or sub-contractors of Carrier.
3. 20.3 Carrier agrees that the foregoing indemnification of obligations shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
21. Non-Solicitation.
1. 21.1 During the term of this Agreement, and for a period of two (2) years following the termination of this Agreement, Carrier shall not knowingly, directly or indirectly, solicit or do business of a transportation nature with any of Broker's customers who were served by Carrier as a result of this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.
2. 21.2 During the term of this Agreement, and for a period of two (2) years following the termination of this Agreement, Carrier undertakes not to solicit for employment any employees of Broker, except with the express permission of Broker; provided that the foregoing does not prohibit Carrier from pursuing employment discussions with or hiring an employee who responds to a general advertisement initiated by Carrier.
3. 21.3 The Carrier agrees that the foregoing undertakings shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
22. Confidentiality.
1. 22.1 As part of the business relationship between Carrier and Broker, Carrier may have or come into possession of information or data that constitute trade secrets, know-how, confidential information or are otherwise considered secret by Broker (hereinafter the "Information"). In consideration of the receipt of such Information and potential business, Carrier agrees to maintain such Information in the utmost of confidence; to use such Information solely in connection with such business relationship; and to take all measures necessary to protect such Information.
2. 22.2 Furthermore, Carrier agrees that Broker's compensation hereunder for its services is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone. Carrier further agrees that it will not reveal to anyone the terms of this Agreement, the rates of transportation services, or any other dealings conducted between Carrier and Broker, except as required by law.
3. 22.3 The Carrier agrees that the foregoing undertakings shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
23. Relationship between the Parties. -  The relationship of Carrier to Broker shall, at all times, be that of an independent contractor, except that Broker will be the agent for Carrier for the collection and payment of charges to Carrier.
24. Applicable Laws. -  This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with laws of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration
25. Severability. -  Obligations of this Agreement are separate and divisible and in the event that any provision is deemed unenforceable, the balance of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
26. Entire Agreement. -  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by written agreement, specifically referring to this Agreement, signed by the parties hereto.
27. Waiver of Provisions.  No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be considered valid unless in writing and signed by the party giving such waiver. No such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of the same or similar nature.
28. Successors and Assigns. -  This Agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their parent corporations and divisions, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. Neither of the parties shall assign this Agreement, or any interest or right therein, without the prior written consent of the other party except that Broker, without prior consent, may assign this Agreement to any corporation or other legal entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with Broker.
29. Notices. -  Except for regular business communications which may be transmitted to procedures established by agreement or acquiescence, all notices made hereunder shall be provided in writing and delivered by facsimile, certified mail or overnight courier. Notice transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed received as of the date and time of confirmation printed by sender's machine. Notice transmitted by certified mail or overnight courier shall be deemed received as of the date and time signed for by recipient. Notices shall be addressed to the respective party as set forth above.
30. "Force Majeure". -  Neither Broker nor Carrier shall be liable for any delay in the performance of their respective obligations under this Agreement resulting for any "force majeure", including, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of Government or other civil or military authorities, acts of terror, war or riots. Whenever possible, in the event of a "force majeure", the affect party shall promptly notify the other party in writing, stating the reasons for the inability to comply with the provisions of this Agreement and the expected duration of the "force majeure".
31. Authorized Signatories. -  It is agreed and warranted by the parties that the individuals signing this Agreement on behalf of the respective parties are authorized to do so. No further proof of authorization is or shall be required.
32. Originals and Counterparts. -  This Agreement may be executed in any number of identical counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed a duplicate original hereof.
33. Non-exclusivity. -  The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is not an exclusive arrangement, meaning that the Broker shall not be required to submit any or all of its transportation requirements by Carrier, and Carrier may provide transportation services to other customers.
34. Precedence. -  The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall govern and supersede any contract terms and conditions that may be prescribed by Canadian and provincial laws or regulations, as well as any bills of lading, delivery receipts, Carrier confirmation forms or other shipping documents.
35. Language. -  The parties have expressly requested that this Agreement and related Schedule "A" be drawn up in the English language only.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HERETO HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE.