Terms of Carriage

1. Definitions

2. Scope of Service

Syqora Group acts as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission under 46 USC Chapter 401. As NVOCC, Syqora arranges ocean freight transportation on behalf of shippers, issues bills of lading, and assumes carrier liability under applicable law.

Syqora does not own or operate ocean vessels. Syqora may sub-contract all or any part of the carriage to actual carriers, freight forwarders, or other third parties. The shipper acknowledges and consents to such sub-contracting.

3. Bill of Lading

The bill of lading issued by Syqora constitutes the contract of carriage and is subject to these terms. In the event of any conflict between these terms and the bill of lading, the bill of lading shall prevail.

Shippers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all cargo information declared on the bill of lading, including:

• ✓ Commodity description and nature of goods
• ✓ HS code (Harmonized System classification)
• ✓ Piece count and package type
• ✓ Gross weight and measurements
• ✓ Declared value for customs and insurance purposes

4. Liability Limitations

• ✓ Syqora's liability for loss or damage is limited to $500 per package or customary freight unit unless the shipper declares a higher value in writing and pays applicable ad valorem charges prior to shipment
• ✓ Syqora is not liable for loss, damage, delay, or expense caused by: acts of God, government action or seizure, port congestion, carrier schedule changes, strikes or labor disputes, or other causes beyond our reasonable control
• ✓ Syqora is not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind, including loss of profit or business opportunity

5. Cargo Requirements

• ✓ All cargo must be properly packed, marked, and labeled for ocean transport in accordance with applicable international standards
• ✓ Dangerous goods (DG) shipments must comply with IMDG Code requirements and must be declared to Syqora in advance of booking
• ✓ Prohibited commodities include: weapons, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and any item prohibited by US law or the law of the destination country
• ✓ Hazardous materials require advance approval from Syqora and proper documentation including SDS sheets, UN numbers, and packing group classifications
• ✓ Refrigerated (reefer) cargo requires advance declaration of required temperature range and commodity type

6. Rates and Payment

• ✓ Freight rates are as quoted and accepted in writing. Spot rates are subject to change prior to booking confirmation. Contracted rates are as per written agreement.
• ✓ Standard payment terms are net 30 days from bill of lading date unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to shipment
• ✓ Late payments are subject to an interest charge of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) on the outstanding balance
• ✓ Syqora holds a lien on cargo for all unpaid freight charges, demurrage, and associated costs. Cargo may be held or sold to recover amounts owed.

7. Dispute Resolution

These terms and any carriage performed under them shall be governed by the laws of the State of California and applicable federal maritime law, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any dispute arising from these terms, the carriage of goods, or any related services that is not resolved by good-faith negotiation within 30 days of written notice shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Orange County, California, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

Nothing in this section shall preclude either party from seeking emergency injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction where necessary to prevent irreparable harm.

8. FMC Tariff

Syqora's tariff, including all rates, rules, surcharges, and charges, is published and maintained in accordance with FMC regulations under the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended (46 USC Chapter 401).

The published tariff forms part of the contract of carriage and is incorporated into these terms by reference. See our Tariff Schedule for current rates, surcharges, and rules.

9. Contact for Claims and Carriage Inquiries