Company

African Line Shipping Services (PTY) LTD

African Line Shipping Services (PTY) LTD is a trusted provider of global logistics and freight solutions, delivering safe, efficient, and reliable shipping services across sea, air, and land routes.
We combine expertise, innovation, and integrity to ensure seamless cargo movement and customer satisfaction worldwide.

African Line Shipping Services (PTY) LTD

Standard Trading Conditions
Registration Number: 2023/806491/07
Director: Mr. Godwin Ibezim
Customer Code: ALS-M6308


STANDARD TRADING CONDITIONS

All business undertaken by African Line Shipping Services (PTY) LTD (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) is subject to the following Standard Trading Conditions (hereinafter referred to as “the Conditions”).
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, these Conditions apply to all transactions, whether undertaken by the Company as agent or principal.


⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE

These Conditions include limitations of liability, indemnities, and time limits for bringing claims against the Company.
Clients and Principals are therefore strongly advised to:

  • Carefully read and understand these Conditions before entering into any transaction.

  • Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for loss, damage, or delay not covered herein.

If any law, regulation, or international convention (such as the Hague-Visby Rules, CMR, Montreal Convention, etc.) is compulsorily applicable to any aspect of the services provided, these Conditions shall be read and applied in accordance with such legislation. In the event of a conflict, the relevant law shall prevail only to the extent of the inconsistency.


1. DEFINITIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise:

a. “Company” means African Line Shipping Services (PTY) LTD, including its directors, officers, employees, agents, and subcontractors.

b. “Services” means any freight forwarding, logistics, transportation, customs clearance, warehousing, documentation, import/export, or related services provided by the Company.

c. “Merchant” includes the shipper, consignee, receiver, owner of goods, or any person entitled to possession of the goods, and their agents or representatives.

d. “Principal” means the owner, charterer, or operator of a vessel or carrier for whom the Company acts as agent.

e. “Supplier” means any third-party provider of goods or services, including carriers, warehouse operators, or transport companies, engaged by the Company on behalf of the Merchant or Principal.

f. “Goods” means any cargo, containers, packaging, or articles entrusted to the Company for carriage, handling, or storage.

g. “SDR” means the Special Drawing Right as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

h. “Direct Representative” means the Company acting on behalf of the Merchant and/or Principal with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) or any other governmental body.

i. “Person” includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, or any legal entity.

j. “Writing” includes communication by letter, email, or any other electronic means that provides a record.


2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Company offers a full range of logistics and shipping solutions, including:Freight forwarding and clearing through air, sea, and land routes.

  1. Customs brokerage and documentation in compliance with South African and international trade laws.

  2. Warehousing and cargo handling at designated storage facilities.

  3. Transport coordination including pickup, delivery, and route optimization.

  4. Consulting and advisory services on trade compliance and supply chain management.

The Company may perform these services itself or subcontract them to reputable service providers.


3. TRANSACTIONS WITH THE PRINCIPAL

  1. The Principal shall indemnify the Company for all liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses arising in connection with its agency role, except in cases of the Company’s proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  2. The Principal shall promptly pay or reimburse all disbursements, advances, and operational expenses incurred by the Company.

  3. The Company is entitled to retain or deduct any sums due from the Principal out of funds held on their behalf.

  4. The Company may, with the Principal’s consent, appoint sub-agents or contractors to perform part or all of the services.

  5. Termination of agency requires six (6) months’ written notice, unless otherwise agreed.

  6. The Company’s responsibility for data submission or filing with ports, customs, or other authorities is limited to ensuring accuracy of information provided by the Principal or Merchant.


4. LIABILITY AND LIMITATION

  1. The Company shall perform its duties with reasonable skill and care, but shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or delay arising from:

    • Acts or omissions of the Merchant, Principal, or their agents.

    • Incorrect or incomplete documentation or instructions.

    • Acts of God, war, strikes, lockouts, or other events beyond its control.

  2. The Company’s total liability for loss, damage, or delay shall be limited to 2 SDRs per kilogram of gross weight of the affected goods or the invoice value, whichever is lower.

  3. The Company shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profits, market, or goodwill.

  4. All claims must be notified in writing within 14 days of delivery or expected delivery.

  5. Legal action must be commenced within 9 months from the date of loss or damage.


5. INSURANCE

The Company does not automatically insure goods on behalf of clients.
Cargo insurance may be arranged only upon written request and at the client’s expense.
Merchants and Principals are encouraged to maintain adequate insurance to cover transit risks, storage, and handling.


6. PAYMENT TERMS

  • All invoices and charges are due upon receipt, unless otherwise agreed.

  • Interest may be charged on overdue accounts at the rate prescribed by Company policy.

  • The Company reserves the right to withhold delivery of goods pending payment of outstanding charges.


7. LIEN

The Company shall have a general and continuing lien on all goods and documents relating thereto for any sums due under any contract.
If payment is not received within a reasonable time, the Company may sell or dispose of the goods and apply the proceeds toward the outstanding balance.


8. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Any dispute arising hereunder shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of South Africa (Durban Division).


9. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.


10. AMENDMENTS

The Company reserves the right to amend or update these Conditions from time to time. The latest version will be made available upon request or on the Company’s official website.


COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS

African Line Shipping Services (PTY) LTD
📍 Durban Office: 78 Sir Authur Road, Morningside, Durban 4001
📍 Cape Town Office: 10A Rosedene Road, Sea Point, Cape Town 8001