Attention Customers: Booking and making a security deposit constitutes full agreement to USL LLC’s FMCSA-compliant Terms & Conditions.

 

USL LLC Carrier Terms and Conditions:

 

 

Strict Prohibition of Personal Items – Zero Liability Disclaimer:

USL LLC strictly prohibits loading any personal items, loose parts, or cargo inside transported vehicles, including the trunk, rear seats, and passenger compartments. Vehicles must remain completely empty during transport. This policy is enforced due to state patrol inspections, drug and contraband enforcement, commercial weight regulations that risk fines and violations, and USL LLC’s role as a vehicle transporter, not a moving company. If personal items are present, this increases the risk of attracting theft; therefore, all vehicle doors will remain unlocked during transport to reduce the risk of vehicle damage caused by break-in attempts. In many cases, doors cannot be locked regardless, as vehicles are equipped with emergency alarm systems that can drain the battery when loaded onto the transport truck and may trigger continuous alarms, potentially resulting in police stops due to public noise complaints. If any items are found inside, a $1 per pound fee or $200 flat fee (whichever is higher) will apply. Our handling fees remain substantially lower than shipping industry rates charged by FedEx, UPS, or USPS, which typically range from $3 to $8 per pound. The commonly referenced “100-pound personal items allowance” has no basis in FMCSA regulations and holds no legal standing. It is a sales tactic used by brokers and does not represent any carrier policy or federal transportation law. There is no federal regulation permitting personal items inside transported vehicles. All transportation rules and regulations are governed exclusively by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Any allowance to transport personal items inside a vehicle is determined solely by the carrier. We understand that some customers may have previously shipped vehicles with drivers who allowed personal items inside; however, the auto transport industry includes many unlicensed or underqualified operators—some without a valid CDL, knowledge of FMCSA regulations, or basic English proficiency. USL LLC operates with full legal compliance, professional standards, and strict enforcement of carrier rights. What other drivers may have allowed in the past does not apply to our company or our federally governed transport policies. Brokers are not authorized to make exceptions, set policies, or make promises on behalf of USL LLC. Any items left inside are transported strictly at the customer’s own risk, and we strongly advise to keep your vehicle empty. Any violations of this policy are solely the customer’s responsibility and risk.

 

Fuel Level Safety:

For safety and weight regulations, all vehicles must have no more than 1/4 tank of fuel at the time of pickup. Excess fuel increases fire risk and unnecessarily adds weight, affecting loading calculations and increasing fuel consumption for the carrier truck itself. Vehicles with excessive fuel may be refused at pickup or subject to additional handling fees. USL LLC is not responsible for any delays or costs caused by non-compliance with this rule.

 

Dates:

All pickup and delivery dates are estimated and not guaranteed; delays may occur due to weather, traffic, mechanical issues, or other scheduled pickups and deliveries.

 

Location:

All pickup and delivery locations must be safe and legally accessible for an 80,000-pound car carrier and must not violate any local city laws or regulations; if the carrier cannot access the address listed on the contract, the customer is required to meet the driver at a nearby safe and legal alternative location; it is the broker’s responsibility to inform the customer in advance of these industry requirements.

 

Open Carrier Transport Disclaimer – Risk Acceptance and Liability Waiver:
USL LLC operates exclusively with open carrier equipment, meaning vehicles are transported on open trailers without sides or roofs, fully exposed to the environment during transit; by choosing open carrier transport, the customer accepts all associated risks, including exposure to rain, snow, hail, sun, dust, dirt, rocks, gravel, road debris, tree sap, bird droppings, insects, and other environmental hazards, as well as minor cosmetic damage such as surface contamination or paint chips; open carriers provide no protective covering, and USL LLC is not responsible for damage caused by low branches, trees, or overhead obstacles encountered in city streets, residential neighborhoods, or non-commercial locations—many pickup and delivery addresses are not suitable for 80,000-pound commercial equipment, and hazards related to such locations are beyond USL LLC’s control; USL LLC assumes zero liability for weather exposure, road debris, environmental factors, minor cosmetic damage, or damages caused by low branches or overhead obstructions during open carrier transport, all of which are considered inherent risks of the service; if the customer does not agree to accept these risks, it is their sole responsibility to request enclosed trailer transport prior to booking, which must be arranged separately with another transport company at higher rates; by booking transport with USL LLC using open equipment, the customer acknowledges and accepts all related risks and agrees that USL LLC will not be held responsible for any claims arising from such exposures.

 

Mechanical and Electrical Condition Disclaimer – Zero Liability:

USL LLC is a vehicle transporter, not a repair or service facility. We are responsible only for physically loading, securing, transporting, and unloading your vehicle. We assume zero liability for any mechanical or electrical issues before, during, or after transport. This includes, but is not limited to, engine failure, transmission failure, battery drainage, dead batteries, alarms, flat tires, brake system issues, suspension damage, fluid leaks, or any other mechanical, electronic, or structural malfunction that may occur during or after transport.

 

New Damage Policy:

USL LLC will not be liable for any vehicle damage that occurred prior to pickup and was documented on the inspection report. Additionally, USL LLC assumes no responsibility for any damage claims not noted on the carrier’s Bill of Lading at the time of delivery. All new damages must be reported and documented only upon delivery. Claims reported after delivery, or based on any alternative timeframes promised by brokers, will be automatically denied. Failure to document damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery constitutes full acceptance of the vehicle’s condition and permanently voids any future claims against carrier, without exception. Carrier insurance covers only physical damage caused directly by transport loading/unloading incidents and excludes weather, road debris, environmental exposure, mechanical failure, electrical failure, or aftermarket accessories. If your vehicle is loaded on the lower deck, USL LLC will not be responsible for any oil, antifreeze, or fluid leaks from vehicles positioned above, as we have no control over the mechanical condition of other customers vehicles; 

 

Aftermarket/Accessory Damage Disclaimer: 

USL LLC will not be responsible for any damage to non-manufacturer-installed or aftermarket items, including but not limited to spare tires, roof racks, bike racks, rooftop tents, luggage carriers, antennas, running boards, spoilers, decals, custom accessories, or truck bed covers. This includes any accessory protruding beyond the vehicle’s original dimensions or factory design. All such items are transported entirely at the owner’s risk.

 

Security Deposit – Non-Refundable Policy

To reserve a spot on USL LLC’s truck schedule, a $200 security deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit is used to secure driver availability and trailer space and is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including cancellations or changes made by the customer or broker. The deposit will be applied toward the total transport cost, with the remaining balance due at delivery. By booking and submitting the deposit, the customer acknowledges and agrees to this non-refundable policy.

 

Remaining Balance Payment Terms

USL LLC requires full payment of the remaining balance at the time of delivery. If payment is not provided upon delivery, or if the customer disputes the agreed payment terms during transport or prior to delivery, USL LLC reserves the right to hold the vehicle until payment is received in full. Vehicles may be placed into storage at the customer’s expense and will not be released until all transportation charges outlined in the contract have been paid.

 

Carrier’s Lien Rights – UCC §7-307:

A carrier has a lien on the goods covered by a bill of lading for charges subsequent to the date of the carrier’s receipt of the goods for: (1) storage or transportation, including demurrage and terminal charges; (2) expenses necessary for preservation of the goods; and (3) expenses reasonably incurred in their sale pursuant to law, and a lien for charges under subsection (a) on goods may be enforced by sale of the goods under Section 7-210.

Pursuant to UCC §7-307, USL LLC, as the authorized motor carrier, retains a lawful possessory lien on any vehicle in its custody and may withhold delivery until full payment is received for all applicable charges, including transport fees, storage, detention, demurrage, and any reasonable expenses necessary for the preservation or protection of the vehicle.

 

Bill of Lading and Representation Policy:
USL LLC operates under active FMCSA authority as an independent motor carrier and maintains full operational control over all transport services. As such, USL LLC issues its own Bill of Lading (BOL) for every shipment, in accordance with federal regulations (49 CFR § 373.101). Brokers are not authorized to represent themselves as carriers and may not issue BOLs listing their company name in place of the carrier of record. Doing so constitutes a misrepresentation of carrier status, creates compliance concerns, and may invalidate claims handling and documentation. USL’s BOL must reflect the correct carrier information, including our company name and MC number, and will serve as the official document for pickup, inspection, signatures, and delivery confirmation. Any attempt to override this process with broker-branded paperwork is strictly prohibited and may result in refusal of service. By dispatching USL LLC, brokers and clients acknowledge our right to operate under our own documentation and agree not to interfere with the lawful representation of carrier authority on transport records.

 

FMCSA Regulations – 49 CFR §371.2] explicitly states that a broker may not act like a carrier or take over carrier responsibilities. If they do, they are operating illegally:

(a) Broker means a person who, for compensation, arranges, or offers to arrange, the transportation of property by an authorized motor carrier.

A broker is not a motor carrier and does not assume responsibility for the transportation.

 

FMCSA Regulations – 49 CFR §371.7 Misrepresentation:

A broker shall not:

• Represent itself as a carrier,

• Publish or cause to be published any advertisement that leads shippers to believe the broker is a carrier, or

• Use any business name that includes the word “carrier” or any other language that suggests they are performing the transport.

 

FMCSA Definition of a Broker – 49 CFR §371.2(a)

Broker means a person who, for compensation, arranges, or offers to arrange, the transportation of property by an authorized motor carrier. A broker is not a motor carrier and does not assume responsibility for the transportation. Brokers are arrangers, not carriers. Their role is administrative, not operational. They must not misrepresent their position to the customer/shipper or interfere with carrier operations.

 

FMCSA regulations do not grant brokers any operational authority over licensed motor carriers. Therefore, any attempt by a broker to command, override, or impose transport terms, handling instructions, or delivery conditions — without the carrier’s explicit written consent — is legally invalid, unenforceable, and a violation of federal transportation policy

 

Limitation of Broker Authority and Governing Terms:

Brokers are prohibited from overruling, modifying, or contradicting any agreements made directly between USL LLC (“Carrier”) and the shipper (customer), including but not limited to terms, waivers, liability disclaimers, or signatures recorded on the Bill of Lading, inspection report, or delivery documentation at the time of pickup or delivery. All transport services performed by USL LLC are governed exclusively by the Carrier’s FMCSA-compliant Terms & Conditions, which include any documents executed with the shipper at the origin or destination. These terms shall govern and prevail over any broker-issued rate confirmations, dispatch instructions, third-party contracts, or customer service guarantees not explicitly accepted in writing by the Carrier.

 

Carrier–Broker–Customer Relationship Disclaimer:

The relationship between the customer and the Carrier is established upon pickup, governed by the Bill of Lading, and is based on actual service rendered—not advertising, lead generation, or referral.

While brokers may facilitate the introduction between customer and carrier, this does not constitute ownership or exclusive control of the customer relationship. This is a service industry—not a sales contract for representation rights. Brokers act solely as intermediaries under 49 CFR §371.2(a) and may not interfere with the customer’s right to communicate with or choose the Carrier.

Carriers invest significantly more time, operational risk, regulatory compliance, equipment, labor, fuel, and financial resources in serving the customer than brokers do in generating a lead. Therefore, it is both unethical and legally unfounded for a broker to claim the customer as their exclusive asset or to restrict carrier–customer communication after service has commenced.

 

All legal disputes, insurance or court claims, or other formal complaints against USL LLC or its Owner Operator must be resolved exclusively within the jurisdiction of Washington State. This includes resolution through state courts located in or near Vancouver, Washington—or through binding arbitration or mediation held within Washington State, if applicable. Any claims filed in another jurisdiction must be transferred to Washington State as a condition for the matter to proceed. No exceptions apply.

 

USL LLC reserves the right to refuse or cancel auto transport service if its terms and conditions are violated or not respected.