Transporter Terms & Conditions

1. Registration & Eligibility

1.1 Requirements

To provide transport services on ShipTo, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a valid UK driving license (or equivalent for your vehicle type)
• Have appropriate business insurance (goods in transit, public liability)
• Comply with all UK transport regulations and licensing requirements
• Provide accurate business and contact information
• Have access to a suitable vehicle for the types of jobs you bid on

1.2 Free Registration

ShipTo offers FREE registration with no subscription fees.

• No sign-up charges
• No monthly or annual fees
• Free to browse and bid on jobs
• Platform fee added on top of your bid (customer pays, not you)

1.3 Verification

ShipTo may request verification documents at any time, including:

• Business registration or sole trader documentation
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Vehicle registration documents
• Operator's license (where applicable)

Failure to provide requested documentation may result in account suspension until verification is complete.

2. Bidding on Jobs

2.1 Submitting Bids

When bidding on a job, you must:

• Review the job details carefully before bidding
• Quote an amount you are willing to accept for the job
• Ensure you have the capability, equipment, and time to complete the job
• Provide accurate information about your service and availability
• Be prepared to honor your bid if accepted

2.2 Competitive Bidding

Quote the amount you want to receive. The platform adds a 15% fee on top of your bid, which the customer pays as a deposit. You receive your full bid amount directly from the customer.

2.3 Communication Before Acceptance

IMPORTANT: Use ShipTo's messaging system to communicate with customers before they accept your bid. You may:

• Ask clarifying questions about the job
• Discuss special requirements or concerns
• Confirm timeframes and availability
• Provide additional information about your service

DO NOT share direct contact information (phone, email) before the customer accepts your bid. Violations may result in message deletion, warning notifications, or account restrictions.

2.4 Bid Management

• You may withdraw a bid before it is accepted (though this may affect your reputation)
• You can edit your bid amount if the customer has not yet accepted
• Once a customer accepts your bid, it becomes a binding agreement
• You will receive a notification when your bid is accepted

3. Commission & Payment

3.1 Success Fee (Commission)

ShipTo adds a 15% platform fee on top of your bid:

• Your bid: The amount you quote is what you receive
• Platform fee added on top: Customer pays an additional 15% (calculated from your bid)
• Simple calculation: If you bid £100, customer pays £115 total (£15 deposit to ShipTo, £100 to you)
• You receive your full bid: No deductions - you get exactly what you quoted

3.2 How Payment Works

ShipTo uses a two-stage payment process:

Example:

• • You bid: £100
• • Platform fee (15%): £15
• • Customer total: £115
• • Customer pays deposit via PayPal to ShipTo: £15
• • Customer pays you directly on delivery: £100
• • You receive your full bid: £100

3.3 Receiving Direct Payments

You are responsible for arranging direct payment with the customer. Common payment methods include:

• Cash upon completion
• Bank transfer (provide your business account details)
• Card payment (if you have card processing facilities)
• Other methods as mutually agreed

Important: ShipTo does not process or handle the remaining balance. Payment disputes should be resolved directly with the customer. We recommend agreeing on payment terms before starting the job.

4. Your Responsibilities

4.1 Legal Compliance

You are solely responsible for:

• Complying with all UK transport regulations and laws
• Maintaining valid licenses (driving, operator's, etc.)
• Having appropriate insurance coverage
• Proper vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness
• Following working time and rest period regulations
• Adhering to weight and load restrictions
• Proper handling and documentation of goods

4.2 Insurance Requirements

You must maintain adequate insurance, including:

• Goods in Transit Insurance: Coverage for items you're transporting
• Public Liability Insurance: Protection against third-party claims
• Commercial Vehicle Insurance: Appropriate for business use
• Employer's Liability: If you have employees or subcontractors

ShipTo does not provide insurance. Claims for damage or loss must be handled through your insurance provider.

4.3 Professional Standards

• Arrive on time for collections and deliveries
• Handle goods with care and professionalism
• Communicate proactively with customers about any delays or issues
• Present yourself professionally and courteously
• Complete jobs according to agreed terms and timeframes
• Provide delivery confirmation and proof of delivery when required

4.4 Prohibited Activities

You must NOT:

• Accept jobs you cannot complete properly
• Subcontract work without customer approval
• Transport illegal or dangerous goods without proper authorization
• Request payment outside of ShipTo's platform
• Share customer contact details with third parties
• Submit fraudulent or artificially low bids to win jobs
• Engage in any discriminatory or abusive behavior

5. Cancellations & Issues

5.1 Cancellation Policy

Excessive cancellations harm your reputation and the platform.

• Cancelling after accepting a bid should be rare and only for genuine emergencies
• If you must cancel, contact the customer immediately and explain
• Repeated cancellations may result in:
  • Warnings and negative impact on your profile
  • Temporary restrictions on bidding
  • Account suspension or termination

Benchmark: A cancellation rate above 10% is considered excessive.

5.2 Customer Cancellation

If a customer cancels after accepting your bid, you may negotiate a cancellation fee if you have already incurred costs (e.g., traveled to collection point). This is between you and the customer; ShipTo cannot enforce cancellation fees.

5.3 Job Issues

If you encounter problems:

• Significant discrepancies: If the actual job differs substantially from the listing (e.g., larger items, difficult access), contact the customer immediately. You may renegotiate or cancel if they misrepresented the job.
• Damage or loss: Document any pre-existing damage at collection. Report any damage during transport to your insurance immediately.
• Customer unavailable: Make reasonable attempts to contact them. Document your efforts.

6. Reviews & Reputation

6.1 Feedback System

After completing a job, both you and the customer may leave reviews:

• Star rating (1-5 stars)
• Written review describing the experience
• Reviews are public and visible on your profile

6.2 Building Your Reputation

• Positive reviews help you win more jobs
• Complete jobs on time and professionally
• Communicate proactively with customers
• Handle issues gracefully and professionally
• Maintain low cancellation rates

6.3 Leaving Reviews

When reviewing customers, your feedback should be honest, professional, and related to the specific transaction. Offensive or defamatory reviews may be removed.

7. Disputes & Resolution

7.1 Direct Resolution

Disputes should be resolved directly with the customer:

• Communicate openly and professionally
• Document all interactions and issues
• Attempt to reach a fair resolution in good faith
• Refer to your agreement and job details

7.2 ShipTo's Role

ShipTo is not a party to disputes between you and customers, but we may:

• Provide message history for your records
• Investigate reported Terms violations
• Take action against users who violate policies

7.3 Insurance Claims

For damage or loss claims, work directly with your insurance provider. ShipTo does not handle insurance claims or payouts.

8. Privacy & Data Sharing

8.1 Before Bid Acceptance

You can see:

• General collection/delivery areas (postcodes)
• Customer's display name
• Job details and photos
• Customer reviews and ratings

8.2 After Bid Acceptance

You will receive:

• Full collection and delivery addresses
• Customer's phone number
• Customer's email address

8.3 Data Protection

You must protect customer data and use it only for completing the agreed job. Do not share customer information with third parties or use it for marketing purposes.

9. Account Good Standing

Your account may be suspended or terminated for:

• Repeated cancellations or no-shows
• Providing false or misleading information
• Poor service quality or repeated negative reviews
• Violating transport laws or operating without required licenses/insurance
• Fraudulent activity or attempting to circumvent fees
• Abusive or threatening behavior toward customers
• Sharing contact information before bid acceptance
• Any violation of these Terms or our General Terms & Conditions

10. Independent Contractor Status

You are an independent contractor, NOT an employee of ShipTo.

• You are responsible for your own taxes and National Insurance contributions
• You set your own working hours and choose which jobs to bid on
• ShipTo does not direct or control how you perform transport services
• You are responsible for your own business expenses and equipment
• No employment relationship exists between you and ShipTo

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

ShipTo does NOT guarantee:

• A specific volume of jobs or income
• That your bids will be accepted
• The accuracy of job listings
• That customers will pay on time or at all
• Customer behavior or reliability

You use the Platform at your own risk and are responsible for evaluating jobs and customers before accepting work.

12. Tax Responsibilities

As an independent contractor, you are responsible for:

• Registering as self-employed with HMRC (if applicable)
• Keeping accurate records of your earnings
• Filing self-assessment tax returns
• Paying income tax and National Insurance contributions
• VAT registration if your turnover exceeds the threshold

ShipTo does not withhold taxes or provide tax advice. Consult an accountant or tax professional for guidance.

13. Contact & Support

For questions or issues related to your transporter account: