Broker Agreement

Every load BlackRoader moves is booked under a written rate confirmation before wheels roll. The confirmation states the commodity, origin, destination, equipment type, accessorials, and agreed line-haul rate. No load is dispatched without a signed confirmation from the broker or shipper of record.

Rates are quoted per load based on lane, weight, equipment, and timeline. Quotes are valid for the window stated on the quote — standard quotes hold for 48 hours, expedited quotes for 24. After the quote window, rates are re-confirmed against current fuel and lane conditions.

Accessorials — layover, detention, tarping, extra stops, and team service — are itemized on the confirmation and billed at the rates listed in the current BlackRoader accessorial schedule.

Standard terms are Net 15 from the date of delivery, payable by ACH or check. Invoices are issued at delivery with rate confirmation, signed bill of lading, and lumper or scale receipts attached.

Quick-pay is available on request: payment within 48 hours of receiving approved paperwork, less a 2% discount. Same-day quick-pay is available for time-critical accounts.

Payment is due in full without deduction or offset. Disputed charges must be raised in writing within 10 days of invoice date; undisputed amounts remain due per terms while a dispute is reviewed.

BlackRoader operates as a licensed motor carrier. Cargo coverage runs up to $1,000,000 per load; the limit attached to a given load is stated on the rate confirmation, with higher limits available on request for high-value freight.

Liability begins at pickup on the signed bill of lading and ends at delivery. BlackRoader's liability is limited to the actual value of the freight or the declared value on the confirmation, whichever is lower, and does not cover delays, lost profits, or consequential damages.

Standard exclusions apply: freight not properly packaged, crated, or secured per the BOL; pre-existing damage noted at pickup; and acts of God, weather closures, or government restrictions beyond carrier control.

Visible damage must be noted on the delivery receipt at time of delivery. Concealed damage must be reported within 5 days of delivery. Claims must be filed in writing within 9 months of delivery, with supporting documents — delivery receipt, invoice, and photos.

Acknowledged claims are investigated within 30 days and settled or denied in writing within 120 days of receipt, per 49 CFR Part 370. Partial claims can be settled without prejudice to the remaining claim amount.

Freight moved under a broker's or shipper's own cargo insurance remains subject to that policy's terms; BlackRoader's liability applies only to freight moved under BlackRoader's coverage.

BlackRoader does not broker freight to other carriers. Every load confirmed to BlackRoader is moved by BlackRoader equipment and drivers under our DOT authority, so terms, coverage, and claims route to a single accountable party.

Cancellations inside 2 hours of scheduled pickup are billed a truck-ordered-not-used (TONU) fee at 25% of the line-haul. Detention begins after 2 hours free at both ends, billed hourly at the accessorial schedule rate.

These terms, together with the signed rate confirmation, form the full agreement between BlackRoader and the broker of record. Either party may terminate the relationship with written notice; in-transit loads complete under the terms in effect at booking.