Contract of Carriage: What It Is and Why It Matters?

When you ship goods internationally—whether by air or sea—you’ll need a contract of carriage. This is an official agreement between you (the shipper) and the carrier (the transport company) that states the carrier will move your goods from one place to another under agreed conditions.

What Is a Contract of Carriage?

It’s a legal agreement that:

  • Lists the goods being shipped
  • States the pickup and delivery locations
  • Explains the responsibilities of both shipper and carrier
  • Includes terms for payment, delivery dates, and handling of the cargo

What It Covers?

  1. Departure & destination – e.g., from one airport or seaport to another
  2. Goods details – type, quantity, weight, and dimensions
  3. Agreed dates – when it will be shipped and when it should arrive
  4. Payment terms – how and when the carrier will be paid

Why It’s Important?

A contract of carriage:

  • Proves the agreement between shipper and carrier
  • Clearly states the destination and nature of goods
  • Protects both sides if there’s damage, delay, or loss
  • Helps settle disputes quickly and fairly

In Short: it’s your safety net when moving goods worth money across borders.