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.

If you do not agree with these Terms, do not use our services.

2. Services Provided

2.1 Scope of Services

UKF Services provides freight forwarding, logistics, and related services, including but not limited to:

• 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 of these Terms and any applicable service agreements.

3. Client Obligations

3.1 Accurate Information

You agree to provide:

• Accurate and complete information about your shipments
• Correct documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates
• Proper cargo descriptions, weights, dimensions, and values
• Required permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals
• Timely responses to our requests for information

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 that all cargo is properly packaged, marked, and labeled according to:

• International shipping standards (IATA, IMO, etc.)
• Carrier requirements and specifications
• Destination country import regulations
• Dangerous goods regulations (if applicable)

4. Pricing and Payment

4.1 Quotes and Rates

All quotes are estimates based on the information provided and are subject to change. Final charges may differ due to:

• Actual weight and dimensions (re-weigh/re-measure)
• Fuel surcharges and currency adjustments
• Changes in carrier rates or surcharges
• Additional services requested or required
• 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 charges 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, taxes, and import/export fees
• Demurrage, detention, and storage charges
• Inspection fees and quarantine costs
• Special handling or equipment charges

5. Customs and Compliance

5.1 Customs Clearance

When we provide customs brokerage services:

• We act as your authorized agent for customs purposes
• You authorize us to sign and file documents on your behalf
• You are responsible for the accuracy of all information provided
• We are not liable for delays or costs due to incorrect or incomplete information
• 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
• Product safety and labeling regulations
• 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 or operational issues
• Customs inspections or clearance delays
• Weather, natural disasters, or acts of God
• Port congestion or infrastructure limitations
• Government actions, strikes, or labor disputes
• Security concerns or regulatory changes
• Pandemic, epidemic, or public health emergencies

6.2 Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to 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 and in performing our services. 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 value of the goods (as declared by you)
• US $50 per kilogram of gross weight of lost or damaged goods
• The amount of our service fees for the specific shipment
• The limits imposed by applicable carrier tariffs and international conventions (such as the Warsaw Convention, Montreal Convention, or Hague-Visby Rules)

7.3 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

In no event shall we be liable for:

• Indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
• Lost profits, revenue, or business opportunities
• Costs of substitute goods or services
• Delays in delivery or loss of use
• Claims exceeding the declared value of goods

7.4 Cargo Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase 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 (or expected delivery for non-delivery)
• Supported by documentation including invoices, packing lists, and evidence of damage
• Filed in accordance with carrier tariffs and international conventions
• Pursued within the applicable time limits (typically 9 months from date of shipment)

8.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be:

• Governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates
• Subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Dubai, UAE
• Attempted to be resolved through good faith negotiation first
• Subject to arbitration under the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) rules if mutually agreed

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless UKF Services, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms
• Incorrect or incomplete information provided by you
• Prohibited or illegal goods shipped through our services
• Violations of laws, regulations, or third-party rights
• Claims by carriers, customs authorities, or other third parties 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
• We may exercise our lien rights for unpaid amounts
• Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall remain in effect

14. Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. We recommend reviewing these Terms periodically.

15. Severability

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

16. Entire Agreement

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

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

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