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A Freight Forwarding Agreement outlines how a logistics company will handle and transport goods on behalf of a business customer across Belgian and international borders. It spells out the forwarder's duties, from warehouse management and customs clearance to choosing carriers and negotiating rates.

Under Belgian commercial law and EU transport regulations, this contract protects both parties by clearly defining liability limits, insurance requirements, and payment terms. Good agreements include specific details about dangerous goods handling, documentation requirements, and compliance with CMR Convention rules that govern European road transport.

Use a Freight Forwarding Agreement when your business needs to move goods internationally through Belgian ports or across EU borders. This becomes essential once you're handling regular shipments, working with multiple carriers, or dealing with specialized cargo that requires specific handling or documentation.

Belgian companies particularly need this agreement when coordinating complex logistics chains, managing customs requirements, or sharing liability risks with forwarding partners. It's crucial for businesses shipping through major hubs like the Port of Antwerp or Liège Airport, especially when regulatory compliance and clear accountability matter most.

• Standard Single-Shipment Agreements: Cover one-time or occasional freight movements, with basic liability and service terms
• Long-term Framework Agreements: Establish ongoing relationships with set rates and volume commitments for regular shipping needs
• Specialized Cargo Agreements: Include extra provisions for dangerous goods, temperature-controlled items, or high-value shipments
• Multi-modal Transport Agreements: Cover combinations of sea, air, and land transport through Belgian logistics hubs
• Customs-focused Agreements: Emphasize customs clearance services and documentation handling for international trade

• Freight Forwarders: Belgian logistics companies that arrange cargo transport and handle customs clearance
• Shipping Companies: Businesses needing to move goods internationally through Belgian ports or across EU borders
• Legal Counsel: Corporate lawyers who draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Belgian transport laws
• Customs Brokers: Specialists who manage documentation and clearance processes outlined in the agreement
• Insurance Providers: Companies offering cargo coverage based on liability terms specified in the agreement

• Shipment Details: Document cargo types, volumes, routes, and special handling requirements
• Service Scope: List specific services needed (customs clearance, warehousing, documentation)
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential liability issues and required insurance coverage levels
• Pricing Structure: Gather all costs, including base rates, surcharges, and payment terms
• Compliance Check: Review Belgian transport regulations and EU customs requirements
• Contact Information: Compile key contacts for both parties, including emergency procedures

• Parties and Scope: Full legal names, addresses, and detailed service descriptions
• Liability Terms: Clear limits aligned with Belgian transport law and CMR Convention rules
• Service Details: Specific duties, delivery terms, and handling requirements
• Payment Terms: Rates, currencies, payment schedules, and late payment consequences
• Force Majeure: Conditions for service interruption under Belgian civil code
• Data Protection: GDPR compliance measures for handling shipping information
• Dispute Resolution: Belgian jurisdiction choice and arbitration procedures

A Freight Forwarding Agreement differs significantly from a Contractor Agreement, though both involve service provision. While a Contractor Agreement establishes a direct service relationship, a Freight Forwarding Agreement specifically focuses on logistics and cargo movement arrangements.

• Service Scope: Freight forwarding covers specialized transport services, customs clearance, and cargo handling, while contractor agreements handle general service provision
• Liability Structure: Freight forwarding includes specific transport-related liabilities under CMR Convention rules, versus general professional liability in contractor agreements
• Regulatory Framework: Freight forwarding must comply with Belgian and EU transport laws, customs regulations, and international shipping conventions, while contractor agreements follow standard Belgian labor and service laws
• Risk Management: Freight forwarding requires specialized cargo insurance and international trade risk provisions, unlike basic professional indemnity in contractor agreements