In today’s world, where the production and supply of goods is crucial, the development of business relations depends largely on having a suitable and efficient method of transportation. International transportation of goods has fixed rules and principles that need to be followed and requires selecting the best method based on the state of infrastructure and facilities of the countries. Certain goods also require compliance with specific protocols and methods, which require sufficient knowledge. Moreover, in the business world, maintaining speed in business relationships is important. In this regard, we will discuss the types of contracts for international transportation of goods and their application in this article.
Karimi & Associates Law Firm has a team of qualified advisers, experts, and lawyers specializing in various legal fields, including Financial and Commercial Law. They provide specialized legal advice and assist in setting the terms of a transportation contract to support your interests in concluding contracts.
Transportation of Goods
Iranian laws and regulations dictate that the transportation of goods fall under the scope of domestic laws such as civil law and commercial law. In commercial law, the international transportation of goods is a contract that involves a person who, for a predetermined fee, transports specific goods from an agreed point of origin to a predetermined destination along an agreed route. In such contracts, if it is related to transporting people, there are two parties; the person requesting transportation (also known as the shipper) and the carrier. If the transport contract pertains to goods, a third party will also be included as the receiver of the goods, and this will be mentioned in the contract agreement. Transportation is considered a commercial activity, and as such, the principles and rules related to it must be followed.
International Air Transport Contract
This contract is responsible for regulating the transportation of goods and consignments by air, ensuring that all parties involved in the transportation process follow complete rules and regulations. It covers the complete guidelines for transporting goods by plane, including airplane transit in different countries, aircraft guidance, and the use of airports in origin, destination, and route countries.
Air transportation is considered one of the fastest and most efficient ways to transport goods, especially valuable or fragile goods. However, to ensure the safe and timely delivery of such goods, it is necessary to comply with all regulations. Therefore, an international air transport contract is often required. This contract ensures that the goods are protected from any possible damage or corruption during transit, providing a clear understanding of the liability and responsibilities of each party involved.
Overall, this contract aims to provide a complete framework for the transportation of goods by air, which accounts for the safety, efficiency, and timely delivery of the goods.
International Maritime Transport Contract
These contracts are essential for businesses that require the transportation of goods by sea. This method is the preferred option for large trade exchanges as it provides a high capacity for carrying large goods that other modes of transportation cannot match. It is also useful when countries lack direct land connections or avoid them for various reasons. However, before entering into such an agreement, both parties must pay close attention to the various details of sea transportation. This includes the type of vessel used, the route taken, the time required for transportation, and the cost involved. In addition, the parties must also consider the possible risks associated with this type of transportation, such as piracy, adverse weather conditions, and delays in delivery.
To ensure the smooth and safe transportation of goods, it is essential to have a well-drafted maritime transport contract. The contract should outline the responsibilities of both parties, specify the terms of payment, and provide a mechanism for resolving disputes. It should also include provisions for insurance coverage, liability, and compensation for any damages that may occur during transportation.
International Road Transport Contract
It is a legal agreement created for the transfer of goods and consignments through road networks between countries. It is one of the most commonly used and practical international transport contracts. The objective of this contract is to regulate and establish the terms and conditions of the international transport of goods by road, including packaging, loading, unloading, transit, and delivery.
The “Convention on the Road Transport of Goods” is a convention that governs the transportation of goods by road and is in force. This convention is an international agreement between countries that sets out the legal framework for the transportation of goods by road. It aims to ensure the safety of road transport, prevent damage to goods, and provide compensation for any damages that may occur during transportation.
When parties enter into this type of contract, they are required to comply with the provisions of this convention. The convention sets out rules related to the transportation of goods and provides instructions on how to transport goods without causing any damage. It covers various aspects of transportation, including the type of vehicle used, the weight and volume of the cargo, the travel routes, and the necessary documentation. In addition, the contract also covers the responsibilities and obligations of both parties, including the carrier and the consignor. The carrier is responsible for the safe transportation of goods, while the consignor is responsible for ensuring that the goods are properly packaged and labeled. The contract also outlines the liability of the parties in case of any damage or loss to the goods during transportation.
Overall, the International Road Transport Contract and the Convention on the Road Transport of Goods are essential legal instruments that regulate the international transportation of goods by road. These agreements ensure the safety of road transport, protect the interests of both parties, and provide clear guidelines for the transportation of goods.
Combined International Transport Contract
It is a comprehensive agreement between a sender of goods and a transport company. This type of contract facilitates the transportation of goods across international borders by utilizing multiple transport methods and several vehicles to transport the consignment to its final destination. The selection of transportation methods and vehicles is determined by various factors, including the type of goods being transported, customer needs, and the safety of the shipment. In practice, the sender of goods provides the shipping company with detailed information about the shipment, including the weight, volume, and sensitivity of the goods to environmental conditions. The shipping company then determines the best transportation methods to use, such as planes, ships, or trucks, and decides on the most appropriate routes to follow to ensure the safe and timely delivery of the goods.
Combined international transport contracts provide significant benefits to both the sender of goods and the transport company. The sender has the flexibility to choose the most appropriate transportation methods to ensure that the goods arrive safely at their destination, while the transport company can utilize its expertise to optimize the transportation process and minimize costs. Ultimately, these contracts enable the sender and the transport company to work collaboratively to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of goods across international borders.
If you are in the process of planning a transportation contract and need legal advice, you can get in touch with Karimi & Associates Law Firm. Our team of professional advisers, experts, and lawyers specialize in this field and can provide you with specialized legal counsel.