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A Freight Forwarding Agreement spells out how a forwarding company will handle and transport cargo on behalf of their client. Under Dutch law, these contracts define the forwarder's role in arranging shipping, customs clearance, and storage services - without actually carrying the goods themselves.

These agreements follow Dutch Civil Code regulations for transport contracts and typically cover liability limits, service fees, and specific responsibilities. The forwarder acts as an agent, coordinating with carriers, warehouses, and customs while maintaining documentation. Most Dutch forwarding companies use standard FENEX terms, which provide established rules for everything from insurance requirements to payment conditions.

Use a Freight Forwarding Agreement when you need to move goods internationally and don't have in-house logistics capabilities. This agreement becomes essential for Dutch businesses shipping products through Rotterdam port or Schiphol airport, especially when dealing with complex customs requirements or multiple transport modes.

The agreement proves particularly valuable when coordinating time-sensitive deliveries, handling specialized cargo, or managing shipments across several countries. Dutch companies often implement these agreements before peak shipping seasons, when launching new export markets, or when scaling up international operations. Having it in place beforehand prevents delays and clarifies everyone's responsibilities under FENEX terms.

• Standard FENEX Agreement: Uses Dutch Forwarding Conditions, ideal for routine international shipments through major ports
• Project Cargo Agreement: Detailed terms for oversized or specialized freight requiring custom handling
• Multi-Modal Agreement: Covers combinations of sea, air, and land transport common in Dutch logistics
• Express Service Agreement: Streamlined terms for time-critical shipments through Schiphol
• Warehousing-Inclusive Agreement: Combines forwarding with storage services under Dutch law

• Freight Forwarders: Dutch logistics companies who arrange transport and handle customs documentation, typically members of FENEX association
• Exporters/Importers: Companies shipping goods internationally through Dutch ports, seeking reliable cargo handling services
• Legal Counsel: In-house or external lawyers who review and customize agreements to protect their clients' interests
• Customs Brokers: Licensed professionals who clear shipments through Dutch customs and ensure compliance
• Insurance Providers: Companies offering cargo insurance and validating liability coverage requirements

• Service Scope: List specific transport modes, routes, and handling requirements for your cargo
• Company Details: Gather full legal names, registration numbers, and addresses of all parties involved
• Pricing Structure: Define base rates, additional fees, and payment terms following Dutch commercial practices
• Liability Limits: Determine insurance coverage needs and FENEX conditions application
• Documentation: Prepare customs forms, permits, and specific handling instructions
• Timeline Details: Specify delivery schedules, storage requirements, and key performance metrics

• Party Identification: Complete legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of forwarder and client
• Service Description: Detailed scope of forwarding services under Dutch transport law
• FENEX Terms: Explicit reference to latest Dutch Forwarding Conditions
• Liability Provisions: Clear limits and exceptions aligned with Dutch Civil Code
• Payment Terms: Pricing, invoicing schedule, and currency specifications
• Duration & Termination: Contract period, notice requirements, and grounds for early termination
• Dispute Resolution: Dutch court jurisdiction and applicable law clause

A Freight Forwarding Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement, though both involve intermediary services. While freight forwarders arrange transport logistics, agency agreements cover broader business representation rights.

• Scope of Authority: Freight forwarders specifically handle cargo logistics and customs, while agents can represent companies in various business dealings
• Liability Structure: Freight forwarders have limited liability under FENEX terms for cargo damage, while agents typically bear broader responsibility for their actions
• Service Focus: Freight forwarding centers on transport coordination and documentation, whereas agency work may include marketing, sales, or general business development
• Regulatory Framework: Freight forwarding falls under Dutch transport laws and customs regulations, while agency agreements primarily follow Dutch commercial and civil code provisions