1. Scope of Service & Definitions

• "Carrier": Kiranda Transporters Uganda Ltd (incorporated under the laws of Uganda).
• "Consignor / Shipper": The party tendering cargo for transport.
• "Consignee": The authorized receiving party designated on the Consignment Note.
• "Thermal Classes": Deep Frozen (-20 C to -15°C), Chilled (0 C to +4°C), and Cool Controlled (+5°C to +10 C).

2. Cargo Acceptance & Mandatory Pre-Chilling Protocol

In accordance with international cold-chain logistics standards:

• Pre-Chilling Obligation: The Shipper is strictly obligated to pre-chill or pre-freeze cargo to the designated set-point prior to commencement of loading into the Carrier's insulated vehicle. Refrigerated trailers are designed to maintain core temperature, not pull down warm bulk cargo.
• Core Temperature Verification: The Carrier's drivers will verify core cargo temperature using calibrated digital probe thermometers prior to signing the dock acceptance note.
• Right of Refusal: The Carrier reserves the right to refuse cargo presented at temperatures deviating more than 2.0 C from the agreed specification to protect overall shipment integrity.

3. Quotations, Invoicing & Payment Terms

• Estimate Disclaimer: Rates generated through the online Quote Estimator on kirandatransporters.com provide indicative budgetary calculations and are confirmed via formal written Booking Orders issued by the Dispatch Office.
• Currency: Commercial invoices are payable in United States Dollars (USD) or Uganda Shillings (UGX) at the prevailing official Central Bank exchange rate on the date of invoice.
• Demurrage / Loading Detention: Free loading time of 3 hours is provided at origin and destination docks. Subsequent waiting time will incur standardized demurrage charges per hour as outlined in the commercial contract.
• Payment Schedule: Standard payment terms for corporate account holders are Net 30 days upon submission of ePOD, unless specified otherwise in written corporate tenders.

4. Cross-Border Transit & Customs Clearances

• Shipper Documentation: The Shipper must supply accurate import/export permits, phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and Commercial Invoices prior to vehicle departure from origin.
• Customs Inspections: The Carrier maintains refrigeration power during all physical customs examinations at border posts (Malaba, Busia, Mutukula, Gatuna, Cyanika, Nimule).
• Regulatory Delays: The Carrier shall not be liable for transit delays caused by customs system downtime, regulatory impoundment, or political border closures beyond reasonable commercial control.

5. Carrier Liability & Cargo Insurance

• Goods-in-Transit (GIT) Coverage: Kiranda Transporters maintains comprehensive bonded Carrier's Goods-in-Transit liability insurance.
• Thermal Audit Logs as Evidence: The definitive record for any temperature claim shall be the vehicle's independent digital telematics sensor audit log.
• Force Majeure: The Carrier is excused from performance obligations in the event of armed conflict, civil commotion, extreme climatic disasters, or catastrophic road infrastructure collapse.

6. Handover, Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) & Claims

• Seal Verification: Numbered bolt seals must be jointly inspected and recorded by the consignee receiving officer before cutting.
• Formal Claims Window: Any notice of loss, shortage, or thermal damage must be endorsed on the Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) at handover, followed by formal written notice to admin@kirandatransporters.com within 48 hours of delivery.
• Governing Law & Jurisdiction: These Terms shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the Republic of Uganda. Any unresolved commercial dispute shall be submitted to arbitration in Kampala under the Ugandan Arbitration and Conciliation Act.