Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the services provided by UKF Sea & Air Cargo Services LLC ("UKF Services," "we," "us," or "our"), a freight forwarding and logistics company registered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

By engaging our services, accessing our website (ukfservices.com), or entering into a service agreement with us, you ("Client," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms, along with our Privacy Policy and any specific service agreements.

2. Services Provided

2.1 Scope of Services

UKF Services provides freight forwarding, logistics, and related services including:

• Air freight forwarding (express and standard)
• Ocean freight forwarding (FCL and LCL)
• Customs brokerage and clearance
• Warehousing and distribution
• Road transport (local and cross-border)
• Project cargo and specialized logistics
• Documentation and compliance support

2.2 Service Limitations

We act as a freight forwarder and intermediary. We are not a common carrier and do not own transportation assets. We arrange transportation through third-party carriers, shipping lines, airlines, and other service providers. Our liability is limited to the terms specified in Section 7 and any applicable service agreements.

3. Client Obligations

3.1 Accurate Information

You agree to provide accurate and complete shipment information, correct documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates), proper cargo descriptions, weights and values, required permits and licences, and timely responses to our information requests.

3.2 Prohibited Items

You may not ship through our services:

• Illegal goods or contraband under UAE or international law
• Hazardous materials without proper declaration and documentation
• Items prohibited by carriers, customs, or destination countries
• Goods subject to sanctions or export controls
• Counterfeit, stolen, or infringing goods

3.3 Packaging and Labeling

You are responsible for ensuring all cargo is properly packaged, marked, and labelled according to international shipping standards (IATA, IMO), carrier requirements, destination country import regulations, and dangerous goods regulations where applicable.

4. Pricing and Payment

4.1 Quotes and Rates

All quotes are estimates based on information provided and are subject to change. Final charges may differ due to actual weight and dimensions, fuel surcharges, carrier rate changes, additional services required, and customs duties, taxes, and government fees.

4.2 Payment Terms

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due upon invoice presentation or within agreed credit terms. We reserve the right to hold shipments until payment is received. Late payments may incur interest at 2% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law. You are responsible for all collection costs including legal fees.

4.3 Third-Party Charges

You are responsible for all third-party charges including customs duties and taxes, demurrage, detention and storage charges, inspection fees and quarantine costs, and special handling or equipment charges.

5. Customs and Compliance

5.1 Customs Clearance

When we provide customs brokerage services, we act as your authorised agent. You authorise us to sign and file documents on your behalf and are responsible for the accuracy of all information provided. You must pay all duties, taxes, and penalties assessed by customs authorities.

5.2 Regulatory Compliance

You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations including UAE customs and import/export regulations, international trade compliance (ITAR, EAR, sanctions), destination country import requirements, and environmental and hazardous materials regulations.

6. Transit Times and Delays

6.1 Estimated Transit Times

All transit times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. We are not liable for delays caused by carrier schedule changes, customs inspections, weather or natural disasters, port congestion, government actions, strikes, security concerns, or public health emergencies.

6.2 Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including war, terrorism, civil unrest, government restrictions, or any other force majeure event.

7. Liability and Limitations

7.1 Standard of Care

We agree to exercise reasonable care in selecting carriers and service providers. However, we are not insurers of cargo.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

Our maximum liability for any claim is limited to the lesser of: the actual declared value of the goods; US $50 per kilogram of gross weight of lost or damaged goods; the amount of our service fees for the specific shipment; or the limits imposed by applicable carrier tariffs and international conventions (Warsaw Convention, Montreal Convention, Hague-Visby Rules).

7.3 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

7.4 Cargo Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive cargo insurance. We can assist in arranging insurance at your request and expense. Without insurance, your recovery is limited to the carrier's liability, which may be substantially less than the cargo value.

8. Claims and Disputes

8.1 Notice of Claims

Claims for loss, damage, or delay must be reported to us in writing within 7 days of delivery, supported by invoices, packing lists, and evidence of damage, and filed within applicable time limits (typically 9 months from date of shipment).

8.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Dubai, UAE. We will first attempt resolution through good faith negotiation. Disputes may also be referred to arbitration under Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) rules if mutually agreed.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless UKF Services, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, incorrect information provided by you, prohibited goods shipped through our services, violations of laws or third-party rights, or claims by carriers or customs authorities related to your shipments.

10. Lien and Security Interest

We have a general lien on all goods, documents, and funds in our possession for all amounts due from you, whether related to the specific shipment or not. We may sell goods at public or private sale to satisfy unpaid charges after providing reasonable notice.

11. Intellectual Property

All content on our website — including text, graphics, logos, trademarks, and software — is the property of UKF Services or its licensors and is protected by UAE and international intellectual property laws. You may not use, reproduce, or distribute our intellectual property without written permission.

12. Data Protection and Privacy

We collect and process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 and the EU GDPR where applicable.

13. Termination

Either party may terminate the service relationship at any time with written notice. Upon termination, you remain responsible for all outstanding charges, we will complete shipments in progress at your expense, and we may exercise lien rights for unpaid amounts.

14. Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes are effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any written service agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and UKF Services and supersede all prior communications and proposals.

17. Contact Information

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.