Open Transport Terms and Conditions

PDF VersionEnclosed Terms & Conditions

MVS Canada is a licensed and registered Nova Scotia corporation with a registry number 3239754 and a CRA Business Number 84595 6051. This agreement is solely between the customer and his/her or its duly authorized agents, (hereinafter referred to as “Customer”), and MVS Canada Logistics Inc. (DBA MVS Canada)

Contract Terms and Liability Disclaimer

Customer Agrees as Follows:

  1. MVS Canada agrees to transport Customer’s vehicle between the origin and destination (terminal/residential/commercial) locations. If the customer requires door pickup or delivery, carrier can only deliver to locations that are legally able to and safe. A mutually agreed upon place to load/unload the vehicle(s) may be necessary due to low hanging trees, low hanging wires, narrow streets, and residential area restrictions.
  2. Carrier and driver or agents, jointly and separately, are authorized to operate and transport Customer’s motor vehicle between its pickup location and the destination set forth on the shipping order and Bill of Lading(s).
  3. MVS Canada does not guarantee pickup and delivery dates or transit times and wait times. All dates and assertions made by MVS Canada are best estimates. Delays may occur prior to, and/or during, transport due to weather, road conditions, mechanical problems, etc. There are absolutely no guarantees regarding pickup or delivery times and dates.
  4. MVS Canada/Carrier shall not be held responsible for loss or damages occasioned by delays of any kind or for any reason, car rental fees or any accommodation fees.
  5. Customer is responsible for preparing the vehicle to be shipped:
    1. All loose parts, fragile accessories, low hanging spoilers, etc. must be removed or secured. Any part of the vehicle that falls off during transport is Customer’s responsibility including damages caused by said part to any vehicles(s) and/or person involved.
    2. Customer shall remove all non-permanent, outside mounted luggage and other racks prior to shipment.
    3. Vehicle must be in good running condition (unless otherwise noted).
    4. The vehicle’s interior must be reasonably clean and free of garbage.
    5. At least ¼ tank but recommended to have no more than ½ a tank of fuel.
    6. Vehicle must have correct levels of antifreeze, oil and other fluids and must not be leaking.
    7. All vehicles must have a working foot brake and parking brake/ebrake (unless otherwise noted).
    8. Customer must disarm any alarm system installed in the vehicle or provide proper instructions for this matter. In the event said alarm sounds and there are no keys or instructions to turn it off, Carrier may silence alarm by any means.
    9. If there are special instructions for operating the vehicle, please attach the instructions to the dash of the car where they are clearly visible.
  6. Any non-operational vehicle(s) that were not previously disclosed at the time of booking will be charged an additional minimum of $300.00 CDN. If a vehicle becomes non-operational during shipment, these fees, plus any additional fees required to accomplish delivery will be added to the Customers account and must be paid prior to delivery. Depending on the vehicle’s location, we may not be able to proceed with delivery if the vehicle becomes inoperable.
  7. All oversized vehicles must be declared at the time of booking (eg. lifted, oversized tires, dually, ladder racks, lights, truck bed caps, etc.). Customer must declare any after-market features that are on the vehicle and inquire as to the extra charges. Failure to do so may incur additional charges or fees.
  8. Any vehicles with less than 6 inches of ground clearance must be declared at the time of booking. Most vehicle transport trailers and rail transport companies require at least 6 inches of ground clearance to be able to safely load/unload a vehicle without causing damage. An enclosed transport option is available for vehicles with low ground clearance as many of those trailers have lift gates that can safely load/unload vehicles with low ground clearance.
  9. The “Auto Transport Mode Policy” as described here, can have an effect on the quoted/booked pricing, transport mode and provided insurance. This policy is based on the vehicle age, value, condition and the month of shipping. MVS Canada and our agents reserve the right to request more information regarding a vehicle prior to or after booking in order to determine if the vehicle can be safely transported.
  10. Customer agrees that MVS Canada reserves the right to cancel any order for any reason at any time.
  11. Personal property may not be left inside the vehicle unless confirmed by MVS Canada prior to shipping. If you have been approved to have personal items left inside your vehicle, Carrier and MVS Canada are not liable for loss or damage to said personal items, nor for damage to vehicle caused by excessive or improper loading of personal items.
    1. The following items are strictly prohibited from being in the vehicle at the time of shipping; guns, ammunition, flammable products, explosives, narcotics, alcohol, jewelry, precious metals, furs, money, pets, plants and contraband. Shipper agrees that the Carrier may confiscate and/or dispose of said items with no remuneration and the appropriate Government authorities will be contacted.
  12. All fees must be paid prior to shipping of motor vehicle unless otherwise authorized by MVS Canada. Customer warrants that he/she will pay the full transportation price due to MVS Canada in full and will not try to offset any dispute for damage claims and/or delays etc. from freight (transport) charges. If payment cannot be made, the vehicle will be stored at Customers expense until full payment has been made.
  13. For any orders that have been approved to be paid by company cheque or EFT, transportation charges that have not been paid within 30 days of date of invoice will be subject to the following:
    1. A service charge equal to 3% (36% per year) of the outstanding amount will be assessed per bill of lading for each 30 day period or portion thereof that such amount is outstanding;
    2. All charges accruing under this item are to be paid for by the party responsible for the payment of the transport charges.
  14. At the time of door pickup/terminal drop off, Customer and Carrier will carefully inspect the vehicle for pre-existing damage (exterior only) by completing a vehicle inspection report recorded on the Bill of Lading. Carrier and Customer will both acknowledge the condition of the vehicle and Customer will sign and receive a copy of the Bill of Lading.
    1. At least 24 high quality photos must be taken of the vehicle by Customer at the time of pickup/terminal drop off. Information on how to do this properly can be found here and here.
    2. Snow covered or excessively dirty vehicles will not be insured for scratches or dents that could be hidden at the time of shipment.
    3. If a condition report cannot be done at a terminal when dropping off, photos must again be taken of the vehicle at the terminal. A condition report will be done when your vehicle is being loaded onto the train or transport truck.
  15. At the time of delivery, Customer and Carrier will carefully inspect the vehicle for possible damages incurred during transit. Carrier and Customer will both acknowledge the condition of the vehicle and Customer will sign and receive a final copy of the Bill of Lading.
    1. Damage must be noted in the proper place on the Bill of Lading/Inspection Form and signed by Customer regardless of weather conditions, time of day or day of week. Signing the Bill of Lading and inspection report without notation of any damage verifies that Customer has received her/his vehicle(s) in satisfactory condition, and that MVS Canada/Carrier and their agents are relieved of any further responsibility.
    2. All claims must be submitted to MVS Canada in writing by email within 24 hours of delivery.
    3. MVS Canada will share the Carrier insurance policy details upon request.
    4. Customer agrees that MVS Canada is not liable for any property damage claims to Customer’s vehicle and that his, her or its sole remedy is against the Carrier.
  16. Customer agrees and understands that MVS Canada is a transportation and property broker and is acting solely in the capacity of a broker. Customer allows MVS Canada to contract with other licensed and insured Motor Carrier(s), to transport the vehicle(s) described in this shipping order. MVS Canada and Carrier(s) reserve the right to use multiple modes of transportation, including but not limited to truck, rail and ship.
    1. Customer further agrees and understands that MVS Canada sole responsibility in the transaction between the customer and MVS Canada is to procure a carrier for shipment of the customer’s property. Customer understands that MVS Canada never takes possession of, transports, or delivers the Customer’s property.
  17. Customer shall, in their absence, designate a person(s) to act as their agent(s) at the point of pickup and/or delivery if for any reason they are unavailable. The persons listed at the point of origin and point of destination are appointed agents for the purposes of releasing vehicle, approving charges, accepting delivery, and releasing MVS Canada and Driver from any and all claims upon acceptance of delivery.
  18. Carrier accepts responsibility of vehicle after pre-inspection is done and Bill of Lading is signed by the Customer. Carrier responsibility will end when the vehicle is delivered and Customer signs final Bill of Lading inspection.
  19. For Open Trailer/Train Transport, your vehicle is insured under the Carriers insurance (subject to a $750 deductible against any claim made) with the following exceptions:
    1. Any events which are unavoidable or beyond its reasonable control including but not limited to Acts of God, Acts of the Queens enemies, floods, hail, rockslides, snow slides, washouts, avalanches, storms, earthquakes, expropriation, fire or explosion, strikes, lockouts, walkouts, industrial disputes, war, sabotage, riot, insurrection, derailment, labor shortages, power or fuel shortages, or act of failure to act of any government or regulatory body.
    2. Normal wear and tear items such as dings, chips and minor scratches.
    3. Damage to Windshields or any other auto glass.
    4. Damage to antennas that do not retract to within three inches of vehicle body.
    5. Damage caused by leaking fluids, battery acids, cooling system anti-freeze, industrial fallout or fallout resulting from acts of God.
    6. When shipped by rail:
      • CP Rail will not be liable for any complete loss of vehicle, or any damage to the vehicle for vehicles older than six (6) years; determined by Car Year Date (CYD). Additional insurance can be purchased (see section 22). Please email info@mvscanada.ca for additional information.
    7. The vehicles interior, stereo, entertainment systems, navigation system.
    8. Damage caused by freezing of cooling system and/or batteries. Protection from freezing will be furnished by and at the expense of the shipper.
    9. Vehicle body-kits that crack or come apart during transportation.
    10. Spare keys, service books not signed for and noted by the driver on the Bill of Lading upon pick-up.
    11. Damage or loss of license plates, tire covers, and other accessories.
    12. Mechanical functions, undercarriage, exhaust assembly, mufflers, battery function, alignment, frame, suspension or tuning of engine, damage to the wheels, tires and rims (including loss thereof).
    13. Not responsible for any damage to underside or bottom of vehicles with under six-inch road clearance.
    14. Vehicles with large mirrors must have them removed before shipment. Side mirrors, mirror coverings, glass or windshields are not insured under our insurance as train/truck vibration can cause them to crack or break.
    15. Not responsible for damaged fuel door covers that may blow open during transit.
    16. Not be liable for roof racks and off road floodlights.
  20. MVS Canada and its agents shall not be held liable and Customer will not file a claim against CP for damage to the vehicle that may be considered loading and unloading damage, where MVS Canada and its agents is not a party to the loading or unloading. Specifically, but not limited to, MVS Canada and its agents shall not be liable for vehicle body exceptions, bumper exceptions and any other damages normally caused by persons coming in contact with vehicles or automotive ramp to vehicle undercarriage during the course of moving. For vehicles with low ground clearance, enclosed trailer transport is recommended.
  21. Although not required, MVS Canada highly recommends that customers should independently insure their asset (vehicle) while it’s being shipped. Vehicles that suffer damages that do not fall under Carrier Insurance may still be eligible for damage claims under private insurance. Please check with your insurance company before shipping to confirm what is insured under their scope of coverage.
  22. Additional Insurance Programs:
    1. Deductible Buy-Down – A $750 deductible applies to all valid damage claims which the customer/vehicle owner is responsible for paying towards the repair cost. We offer a Buy-Down program that would eliminate the deductible entirely; the cost for this is $50.
    2. Enhanced Vehicle Coverage – MVS Canada offers an additional option through CNA Insurance Company Limited to provide coverage for any vehicle that is being shipped. Enhanced Vehicle Coverage is available while the vehicle is being shipped by rail or by truck. The coverage begins when the vehicle is dropped off at the origin terminal and ends when the vehicle is delivered to the destination. Purchasing the enhanced coverage also removes the $750.00 deductible, you do not need to purchase the buy down option separately when purchasing the enhanced coverage.
      • The cost of the policy is based on 0.72% of the vehicle’s blue book value.
      • The minimum policy price is $175.
      • The coverage removes the $750 deductible.
      • Standard exceptions apply. See section 19.
  23. Limitations of Liability: Shipper and its agents will not be liable for any indirect or consequential damages, including without limitations, loss of revenue or profits which are based upon, arose out of or are connected with the contract or anything done or maintained hereunder of anything not done or maintained as required hereunder, even if such damages were foreseeable. Insurance does not cover rental vehicles while being repaired or delayed.
  24. Vehicle(s) is/are shipped by Canadian rail companies as well as independent auto carriers. Insurance may be provided by these companies when they are involved in the shipping process. Vehicle(s) may (based on Car Year date) only be insured while on the railcars, or in an Auto Carrier. It is the Customer’s responsibility to insure vehicle(s) while on the ground waiting to be shipped, and once it/they arrive(s) and is/are unloaded.
  25. For residential/commerical pickups or deliveries, a fully insured Driving Service may be used to drive the vehicle(s) to/from the terminals.
  26. This Agreement and each of the documents contemplated by or delivered under or in connection with this Agreement are governed by and are to be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia and the laws of Canada applicable therein and treated in all respects as an Nova Scotia contract.
  27. The parties here agree that all actions or proceedings arising in connection to this agreement shall be tried and litigated exclusively in the Provincial courts located in Halifax, in the province of Nova Scotia. This choice of venue is intended by the parties to be mandatory and not permissive in nature, and to preclude the possibility of litigation between the parties with respect to, or arising out of, this Agreement in any jurisdiction other than that specified in this section. Each party waives any right it may have to assert the doctrine of forum non-convenience or similar doctrine or to object to venue with respect to any proceeding brought in accordance with this section. By action of this provision, the parties agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the aforementioned court.
  28. Customer shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless MVS Canada from any and all actual or alleged claims, demands, causes of action, liability, loss, damage and/or injury (to property or persons, including without limitation wrongful death), whether brought by an individual or other entity, imposed by a court of law or by administrative action of any federal, provincial, or local agency, arising out of or incident to any acts, omissions, negligence, or willful misconduct of MVS Canada, or the Carrier, its personnel, employees, agents, or contractors in connection with or arising out of MVS Canada or the Carrier’s actions. The indemnification includes, without limitation, the payment of all penalties, fines, judgments, awards, attorney’s fees, and related costs or expenses, and any reimbursements to MVS Canada for all legal expenses and costs incurred by it.
  29. Neither party may assign, directly or indirectly, all or part of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
  30. Invalidity or unenforceability of one or more of the provisions in this Agreement shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement.
  31. Legal Authority to Transport – Customer affirms that they have the legal authority to transport the vehicle(s) in question.
  32. Third Party Tracking Devices:
    1. Any third party tracking devices, including Apple AirTags or similar devices, must be disclosed to MVS Canada prior to shipping as these pose potential safety and privacy issues of all vehicles, customers, and carriers involved.
    2. If there is a tracking device inside the vehicle, MVS Canada requires a copy of the tracking device owner’s driver’s license with an accurate address on it. If the address is not up to date, a utility bill with an accurate address will be required along with the driver’s license. If the owner of the tracking device does not have a driver’s license, a copy of the shipper’s driver’s license is required.
    3. If a tracking device is not disclosed but is found inside the vehicle, the carrier may dispose of the device.
    4. For any major criminal incident involving the vehicle, truck, or trailer that is being tracked, the driver’s licenses of anyone who has a tracking device present will be supplied to the authorities.

This agreement and any shipment hereunder is subject to all terms and conditions of Carrier’s tariff and the uniform straight Bill of Lading, copies of which are available at the office of Carrier.

This supersedes all prior written or oral representation of MVS Canada and constitutes the entire agreement between Customer and MVS Canada. and may not be changed except in writing signed by an officer of MVS Canada. Customer warrants that he, she or it has read this agreement in its entirety and by continuing with the transaction, fully understands and agrees to its terms. Further, Customer waives any claims or defenses based in whole or in part on not reading, knowing, or understanding these terms and conditions and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless MVS Canada. for any fees or costs, including attorney’s fees and costs, arising out of any claims or defenses asserted based upon not reading, having knowledge of, or understanding these terms and conditions.

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

The option to cancel a shipping order is available at any time, at no cost and with no cancellation fee, as long as the order has not yet been assigned (dispatched) to a Carrier (transporter). Our services are considered rendered when a Carrier (transporter) is assigned to an order.

Refunds will be processed on the following Wednesday after the cancellation request.

Cancellation of an order must be submitted in writing via email sent to info@mvscanada.ca. MVS Canada does not accept or honor cancellations made via phone call.

Once a Carrier (transporter) has been assigned (dispatched) to a shipping order, MVS Canada notifies Customer via email (to the email address provided at service booking).

If Customer decides to cancel the shipping order after a Carrier (transporter) has been assigned (dispatched), a $200 cancellation fee will be assessed, plus any applicable Carrier fees, as our services have been rendered. Any remaining balance will be refunded in full.

If Customer cancels an order after a payment has been processed, a $25 fee may be assessed.

Updated June 12, 2024