REMOVAL, STORAGE and INSURANCE Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions under which all work carried out by Little Loads CC is covered. All correspondence must be forwarded in writing to Little Loads. Please be aware that moving and storing of household items is risky. Our liability for loss and damages is limited. Little Loads is not responsible for all damages or loss you might suffer. Little Loads has a limited good in transit insurance policy (fire, collision and hijacking only) in place.
These conditions explain your rights, obligations, and responsibilities and those of Little Loads for removal, storage and insurance services. Where these conditions use the word ‘you’ or ‘your’ it means you as the removal customer. The terms ‘we ‘or ‘us’, ‘our/s’ refers to Little Loads. It is your obligation to insure these terms and conditions have been read and understood as ALL work carried out by Little Loads is subject to these terms and conditions.
1. Quotation
The quotation is provided FREE of charge and you are under NO OBLIGATION to accept. The removal quotation issued by Little Loads is a fixed price,( inclusive of 14% vat) based on the fact that the information provided is accurate. Little Loads may change the quoted price for the removal or make additional charges if any of the following have not been taken into account when preparing the quotation or, if separately confirmed by Little Loads in writing:-
i. You do not accept the quotation within 30 days, providing at the time of acceptance a firm removal date which Little Loads agrees in writing.
ii. By reason of your delay, the removal is not carried out or completed within three months of the date of acceptance of the quote.
iii. Little Loads’ costs increase because of currency fluctuations, changes in taxation, freight charges, and diesel/fuel prices beyond our control.
iv. The work is carried out on a Saturday.
v. Little Loads supply any additional services not included or requested to be included in the quotation, including moving storing packing or wrapping of extra goods (these conditions will apply to such work in any event).
vi. The stairs, lifts or doorways at the property are inadequate for free movement of the goods without the need for mechanical equipment or structural alteration, or the approach, road or drive to the property is unsuitable for Little Loads vehicles and /or containers to get to and load and/or unload within 50 metres of the doorway, and as a result Little Loads have to carry out extra work not included within the quotation.
vii. Any parking or other fees or charges that have to be paid by Little Loads in order to carry out the removal services on your behalf.
viii. There are delays or events outside Little Loads’ reasonable control.
ix. Items to be lifted/carried/loaded/moved require more than 4 men.
x. If the distance from your front door to where our vehicle can park exceeds 50 meters
2. Work not included in the quotation
Unless agreed by Little Loads, in writing, they will not, as part of the quoted removal services
(a) Dismantle or assemble unit or system furniture, fitments or fittings.
(b) Disconnect or reconnect appliances, fixtures, fittings or equipment.
(c) Take up or lay fitted floor coverings.
(d) Move storage heaters, unless they are dismantled.
(e) Move items from a loft or cellar, unless properly lit, and floored and safe access is provided.
(f) Move or store any items excluded under clause 4 of these conditions.
(g) Wrapping your items in your own plastic/covers
(h) Packing of personal items into your own boxes
Little Loads staff will not be authorised or qualified to carry out such work. It is recommended that a properly qualified person is separately employed by you to carry out these services. Little Loads does not take any responsibility for work not included in the quotation.
3. Your Responsibility
It will be your sole responsibility to:
(a) Declare to Little Loads the value of the goods being removed and/or stored.
(b) Arrange adequate insurance cover for the goods submitted for removal, and/or storage, against all insurable risks.
(c) Obtain at your own expense, all documents, permits, licences, and/or customs documents necessary for the removal to be completed.
(d) Be present or represented throughout the removal
(e) Take all reasonable steps to ensure that nothing that should be removed is left behind and nothing is taken away in error.
(f) Arrange proper protection for goods left in unoccupied orunattended premises, or where other people such as (but not limited to) tenants or workman are, or will be present.
(g) Prepare and properly stabilise all appliances or electronic equipment prior to the removal.
(h) Empty, properly defrost and clean refrigerators and deep freezers. Little Loads are not responsible for the contents of this equipment.
(i) Provide Little Loads with a contact address for correspondence during removal, and/or storage of goods.
(j) All owner packed boxes must be sealed and ready for loading prior to our trucks arrival
(k) Secure all your valuables such as wallets, cell phones, money, jewellery, handbags, lap tops fire arms etc, (These items will not be transported by Little Loads. – if done so, this will be solely at your own risk
(l) Compile your inventory list and service specifications correctly as the quotation is based on this information
(m)Insure that all items are loaded and off loaded and not taken away or forgotten by error
*Little Loads will not be liable for any loss or damage, costs or additional charges that may arise from any of these matters.*
4. Goods not to be submitted for removal or storage
The following items are specifically excluded from this contract unless otherwise agreed as below.
(a) Jewellery, watches, trinkets, precious stone or metals, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, or goods or collections of any similar kind.
(b) Prohibited or stolen goods, drugs, potentially dangerous, damaging r explosive items, including gas bottles, aerosols, paints, firearms and ammunition.
(c) Plants or goods likely to encourage vermin or other pests and/or goods likely to cause infestation
(d) Refrigerated or frozen food, drink, products or goods.
(e) Any animals and their cages or tanks including pets, birds or fish.
(f) Goods which require a special licence or government permission for export, import or translocation.
Such goods will not be removed by Little Loads except with their prior written agreement. In the event that they do remove such goods, Little Loads will not accept liability for loss or damage wholly or mainly attributable to the special nature of the goods concerned. If you submit such goods without the prior knowledge and written agreement to Little Loads, they will not be liable for any loss or damage and you will indemnify Little Loads against any charges, expenses, damages or penalties claimed against them. In addition Little Loads shall be entitled to dispose of (without notice) any such goods that are listed under clause 4.
5. Ownership of the goods
By entering into this contract, you declare that:
(a) The goods to be removed and/or stored are your own property, or
(b) The person(s) who own or have an interest in them, have given you authority to make this contract, and have been made aware of these conditions.
You will meet any claim for damages and/or costs against Little Loads if these declarations are not true.
6. Charges if you postpone or cancel the removal
If you postpone or cancel this contract, Little Loads may charge according to how much notice is given.
Notification must be in writing by recorded delivery or electronic medium that can provide proof of time and date stamp.
(a) More than 14 working days before the removal was due to start: NIL payable
(b) Less than 14 working days before the removal was due to start: 50% of the full removal charge.
(c) Less than 7 working days, 100% of the full removal charge.
Note: the start of the removal is viewed as the first day that the removal crew are due to be present at the pick-up address.
7. Paying for the Removal
Unless otherwise agreed by Little Loads in writing:
(a) Payment is required:
A 50% deposit will be required to book and secure the move; the outstanding balance will be due on the day of the move. Payment can be effective using the following methods:
1. By Electronic Transfer
2. Cash
(b) You may not hold any part of the agreed price for any reason whatsoever, unless agreed to in writing by Little Loads
8. Our Liability for loss or damages
Reference to an item is reference to any one article, suite, pair, set, complete case, carton, package or other container
Little Loads liability for loss or damage is limited. This is set out in clause 8 (a) (1) below.
(a) Liability for loss or damage
1. In the event of Little Loads losing or damaging your goods, if they are liable, Little loads will pay you up to a maximum of R200 for the item which is lost or damaged, to cover the cost of repairing or replacing that item
OR
2. Little Loads in their sole discretion may choose to repair or replace the damaged item. If an item is repaired Little Loads will not be liable for depreciation of value.
(b) Other than by reason of Little Loads’ negligence, they will not be liable for any loss, damage or failure to produce or deliver the goods if this is caused by one or other of the circumstances set out in the following:
i. By fire howsoever caused.
ii. By war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities(whether war is declared or not), civil war, terrorism, rebellion and /or military coup, Act of God, industrial action or other such events outside Little Loads reasonable control.
iii. By normal wear and tear, natural or gradual deterioration, leakage or evaporation or from perishable or unstable goods. This includes theft within furniture or appliances.
iv. By moth or vermin or similar infestation.
v. By cleaning, repairing or restoring unless Little Loads did the work.
vi. To any goods in wardrobes, drawers or appliances, or in a package, bundle, case or other container not packed by Little Loads.
vii. For electrical or mechanical derangement to any appliance, instrument or equipment
viii. To jewellery, watches, trinkets, precious stones or metals, money, deeds, securities stamps, coins or goods or collections of a similar kind, howsoever caused.
ix. To any goods which have relevant proven defect or are inherently defective.
x. To animals and their cages or tanks including pets, birds or fish.
xi. To plants and pots in which they are housed/contained
xii. To refrigerated or frozen food, drink, products or goods.
(c) Little Loads will not be liable for damages or costs resulting indirectly from, or as a consequence of loss, damage, or failure to produce the goods
(d) No employee of Little Loads shall be separately liable to you for any loss, damage, mis-delivery, errors or omissions under the terms of this contract.
9. Extra conditions that apply to imports/exports
For goods destined to or received from, a place outside the Republic of South Africa.
(a) Little Loads will only accept liability for loss or damage to goods when they are in our actual possession, and if it can be proven that we were negligent. In such circumstances, Little Loads will accept liability as in condition8 (a)(i) or 8(b) above. Little Loads is not liable for any loss, damage or failure to produce the goods if it is caused by those circumstances set out in condition 8(c) above.
(b) Where Little Loads engages an international transport operator, shipping company or airline to convey your goods to the place, port or airport of destination, they do so on behalf and subject to the terms and conditions set out by the carrier. By agreeing to these terms you confirm their availability to appoint such party on your behalf.
(c) If the carrying vessel/conveyance, should for reasons beyond the carrier’s control, fail to deliver the goods, or route them to a place other than the original destination, you may have limited recourse against the carrier, and may be liable for General Average contribution (e.g. the costs incurred to preserve the vessel/conveyance and cargo) and salvage charges (e.g. charges payable to a person who saves those goods), or the additional cost of onward transmission to the place, port ,or airport of destination. These are insurable risks and if appropriate it is your responsibility to arrange adequate marine/transit insurance cover. These risks will not be insured by Little Loads.
(d) Little Loads cannot be held responsible for additional costs accrued to /by you, for delayed delivery, for whatsoever reason.
10. Insurance
Transit insurance is offered on your quotation, and is highly recommended.
(a) Cover excludes breakages of all fragile articles, which include, but are not limited to, mirrors, pictures, crockery, china, etc., unless professionally packed.
(b) Cover excludes Antiques and Artworks unless they have been valued beforehand and approved by the insurance company.
(c) Cover excludes mechanical and electrical derangement.
(d) The maximum liability for the loss of any one item not professionally packed, is limited.
(e) The maximum liability for the loss of any one box, carton, crate, trunk, suitcase, or similar item, not professionally packed, is limited.
(f) Cover excludes loss or destruction of Money, Medals, Jewellery, Watches, Precious Stones and the like, Precious Metal and Bullion.
(g) You are advised to insure items for their full value. In the event of under insurance, “Average” will apply.
(h) The period of cover, notwithstanding the 7 day period allowed for submission of a claim, expires on final delivery.
(i) The insurance Company may at his own option repair, reinstate or replace any property loss or damage or may pay the amount of the loss or damage.
(j) The company’s liability (or the carrier’s liability if liable) for any claim or claims is limited to the sum insured.
(k) Explosives, firearms, ammunition, livestock, plants and plant pots, water features, are excluded from the policy.
(l) On payment of the appropriate additional premium mechanical derangement cover is included provided these are genuine kitchen and household appliances (excluding electronic equipment of any kind) and provided that the appliances are prepared for transit in accordance with the manufacture’s recommendations. The onus rests with the Applicant to ensure this is done.
(m)Brokers: first Link Insurance Brokers
(n) Excess: 10% of claim (minimum ZAR2,500.00) to be paid by client if a claim is submitted.
(o) Little Loads may at its discretion, choose to settle the claim without claiming through our insurance brokers/companies. The excess will remain the same.
(p) In the event of all, or any, of the premium not being paid prior to delivery/receipt of the goods, the insurance shall be null and void.
(q) Simplified claim procedure
i. A detailed list of items claimed for must be submitted to Little Loads within seven (7) days of delivery
ii. Written estimates covering the cost of repairs and/or replacement values must accompany the list
iii. Failure to comply with point (i) and (ii) above will render your claim null and void.
(r) Time Limit for claims
i. For goods which Little Loads deliver, you must note any visible loss, damage or failure to produce any goods at the time of delivery.
ii. If you or your agent collects goods from our warehouse, you must note any loss or damage at the time the goods are handed to you, requesting that Little Loads acknowledges and confirms your note
iii. Little Loads will not be liable for any loss of or damage to the goods unless a claim is notified to Little Loads in writing as soon as such loss or damage is discovered and in any event within seven (7) days of delivery of the goods by Little Loads
11. Delays in transit
i. We will not be liable for delays in transit. This includes any additional expenses incurred by yourself for board and lodge or any other personal expenses.
ii. If through no fault of Little Loads we are unable to deliver your goods on the allocated day, Little Loads will take them into store. The contract will then be fulfilled and any additional service(s), including storage and delivery, will be at your expense.
iii. If we are unable to complete the removal services on the stated delivery day and time due to delay on your part Little Loads may be entitled to charge for additional charges, such as for extra waiting time.
12. Damage to premises or property other than goods
(n) Little Loads will not be liable for any damage to premises or property other than goods submitted for removal and/or storage unless they have been negligent.
(ii) If Little Loads cause damage as a result of moving goods under your express instruction, against our
Advice, and to move the goods in the manner instructed will inevitably cause damage, they shall not accept that they are negligent.
(iii) If Little Loads are responsible for causing damage to your premises or to property other than goods
Submitted for removal and/or storage, you must note this on the worksheet or delivery receipt.
13. Right to hold the goods (lien)
Little Loads shall have the right to withhold and/or ultimately dispose of some or all of the goods until you have paid all Little Loads charges and any other payments due under this or any other contract. These include any charges that they have paid out on your behalf. Whilst Little Loads holds the goods without payment you will be liable to pay all storage charges and other costs incurred as a result of them withholding your goods and these removal/storage terms and conditions shall continue to apply.
14. Sub-contracting the work
(i) Little Loads reserves the right to sub-contract some or all of the work.
(ii) If Little Loads sub-contract, then these conditions will still apply.
15. Route and Method
(i) Little Loads have the full right to choose the route for delivery.
(ii) Unless it has been specifically agreed in writing on the Quotation, other space/volume/capacity on our vehicles and/or container may be utilised for consignments of other customers.
16. Conditions that apply to Storage
Storage refers to goods stored in our warehouse. We offer no insurance on goods in storage whatsoever. Should you require insurance for goods in storage, please make arrangements with the insurance company of your choice.
Forwarding address
If you do not provide an address or respond to our correspondence or notices, we may publish such notices in a public newspaper in the area to or from which the goods were removed.
(i) Revision of storage charges
Little Loads may review their storage charges periodically. You will be given twenty eight (28) days’ notice in writing of any increases.
(ii) Right to sell or dispose of goods.
On giving you twenty eight (28) days’ notice Little Loads is entitled to require you to remove your goods from their custody and pay all money due to them. If you fail to pay all outstanding debts due to Little Loads they are entitled to sell or dispose of some or all of the goods without further notice. The cost of the sale or disposal will be charged to you. The net proceeds will be credited to your account with the removal company and any eventual surplus after settlement of all money (and charges) due to Little Loads will be paid to you (without interest).
(iii) Termination
If payments are up to date Little Loads will not end this contract except by giving you three (3) calendar months’ notice in writing. If you wish to terminate your storage contract, you must give Little Loads at least fourteen (14) days’ notice. If they can release the goods earlier, they will do so, provided that your account is paid up to date. Charges for storage are payable to the date when the notice should have taken effect.
(iv) Handling Fees
If you make your own arrangements to collect or deliver the goods from/to our warehouse we are entitled to charge a handling fee. Little Loads liability will cease upon handing over the goods.
If you wish to access any of your goods whilst in our store we will require at least 1 weeks’ written notice. A list itemising the goods to be pulled will be required in order for us to arrange for this to be done. A handling fee of R450 will be charged. Please Note: We will not be able to assist during our month end (26th to 4th) as we have no staff available during this period.
Storage goods will only be released upon full payment received.
17. Little Loads Reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions from time to time, without warning.