Please read these Terms of Shipping carefully, as they govern all services provided by Ship Overseas Inc. These terms may be updated periodically.
1. INTRODUCTION
Ship Overseas Inc is a licensed and bonded U.S. Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). Copies of our licenses and proof of financial responsibility may be provided upon request.
All shipping rates, references, and information published on our website or provided in quotes are subject to change without notice. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information, rates, or references are free from typographical or technical errors. In the event of a misunderstanding or error, we will work to resolve the issue promptly.
Verbal agreements are not valid. All shipping prices, commitments, and service agreements must be in writing.
2. COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS
Email is a mandatory method of communication for all shipments. Customers must provide accurate and active email addresses for both origin and destination contacts. Failure to receive our emails for any reason may result in delays, additional charges, or other complications. If you do not receive expected communication, it is your responsibility to contact us.
We maintain a comprehensive library of shipping references and FAQs on our website. Customers are strongly encouraged to review these resources.
3. SMS/TEXT MESSAGING TERMS & CONDITIONS
By providing your phone number and opting in to receive SMS from Ship Overseas, Inc., you agree to the following terms:
- Purpose: We use SMS to provide automated customer support via our AI Agent and to collect necessary information for international shipping quotes.
- Opt-Out: You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text “STOP” to our number. After you send the SMS message “STOP” to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.
- Help: If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at [email protected] or (858) 547-0840.
Cost: Message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you.
- Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your interaction with our AI Agent and support needs.
- Liability: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
4. SHIPPING DOCUMENTS AND EXPORT COMPLIANCE
It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy, legality, and completeness of all shipping documents submitted for an international shipment. Ship Overseas Inc is not responsible for incorrect or incomplete information provided by the shipper.
Shippers will receive complete shipping instructions via email. Failure to follow these instructions may result in delays, cancellation of shipment, or additional charges.
By placing an order, the shipper authorizes Ship Overseas Inc to act as the authorized agent for export control, U.S. Customs, and Census Bureau purposes, including the electronic transmission of export information as required by law. The shipper certifies that all documentation provided is accurate and acknowledges that civil or criminal penalties may apply for false or fraudulent statements.
5. PICKUP, LINE HAUL, AND FREIGHT CLASS RESPONSIBILITY
Pickup and line haul rates depend on the type of pickup site and commodity. Shippers must select the correct pickup site type and commodity type when requesting a quote or booking. Incorrect selections may result in price changes.
Shippers are responsible for accurate freight class declaration. Incorrect freight class may result in adjustments to the shipping price.
Pickup will be performed as close as possible to the residence or dealership, subject to accessibility and safety.
6. OCEAN FREIGHT AND BILL OF LADING
The Ocean Freight Bill of Lading is the final shipping document and serves as the title to the shipped goods. Ownership transfers to the consignee upon issuance.
Most shipments move on express (telex) release, meaning original documents are not required for cargo release. Some countries do not accept express release; in such cases, original documents will be couriered to the shipper.
Amendments to a Bill of Lading after issuance may not be possible and, when allowed, are subject to amendment fees.
7. SHIPMENTS AND LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
Ship Overseas Inc reserves the right to accept or decline shipments.
Ship Overseas Inc’s maximum liability per shipment is $500 pursuant to the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act (COGSA). Customers are strongly encouraged to purchase marine insurance to protect against loss or damage during transit.
8. DESTINATION AND ORIGIN CHARGES
All international shipments are subject to destination charges, which vary by country, port, and carrier. These charges are not included in the ocean freight rate and may be assessed upon entry into the destination country’s commerce zone.
The consignee is responsible for customs clearance and all costs associated with cargo release. Some or all destination charges may be payable at the port of entry rather than the final inland destination.
Regardless of who performs customs clearance, the exporter is responsible for meeting all legal obligations, obtaining release, and paying all associated fees.
9. INSURANCE
Ship Overseas Inc’s maximum liability is limited to $500 per shipment under COGSA. Marine insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage during transit. Please refer to our insurance terms for details.
Total Loss insurance covers only the complete disappearance or destruction of the vehicle; it does not cover partial damage such as dents, scratches, or cosmetic issues.
10. TRANSIT TIME
Estimated transit times provided in quotes or booking confirmations are not guaranteed. Transit times may vary due to carrier schedules, port congestion, customs inspections, weather, or other factors outside our control.
11. PAYMENT TERMS
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due in full within five calendar days of invoice issuance. All invoices are issued via email. If you do not receive an invoice as expected, it is your responsibility to contact us.
12. PROCESSING SHIPMENTS BASED ON COPIES OF CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS
To expedite shipment, we may proceed based on a scanned or faxed copy of a check, money order, or wire transfer receipt. This copy may be treated as authorization for electronic funds transfer. If the original payment instrument is delayed beyond five days, we reserve the right to process funds based on the information provided in the copy.
13. CANCELLATION OF SERVICE AND REFUNDS
Any cancellation of service is subject to a $300 cancellation fee. For shipments originating in Europe and destined for the United States, the cancellation fee is $500.
If a direct international ocean carrier has processed a shipment and the shipment cannot be returned to the shipper (e.g., cargo is en route, consolidated in a container, or entered into the carrier’s terminal), no refund can be provided.
If a shipment is canceled before the carrier has provided service, any outstanding charges (including filing fees, booking fees, transport, repair charges, or storage) will be deducted before any refund is issued.
14. RETURN POLICY
If a security deposit is paid and the shipment is canceled before cargo is tendered, the customer will be refunded minus the deposit.
Roll-over charges for FCL, cars, and RORO shipments are assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on carrier fees and shipment circumstances.
Credit card refunds are subject to a 3% fee or a $10 minimum, whichever is greater.
Refunds under $25 may not be processed due to administrative costs. Customers may request review for exceptions.
Returned or bounced checks are subject to a $50 insufficient funds fee.
15. CONTAINER SERVICE — SHARED OR EXCLUSIVE
Shared container service is subject to availability. Departure and arrival dates are estimates and not guaranteed. Customs authorities may inspect containers, and any inspection-related charges are the responsibility of the shipper(s) sharing the container or the exclusive container renter.
If a container is held for any reason and charges are incurred, these charges are the responsibility of the shipment payee.