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Transportation Services Agreement for Warehousing and Storage Operations

Warehousing and Storage · NAICS 493 · Transportation Services Agreement

This Transportation Services Agreement is designed for warehousing and storage companies that need to contract with carriers, brokers, or other transportation providers. Whether you are arranging for inbound raw materials, outbound finished goods, or intermodal transfers, this agreement clarifies the scope of services, payment terms, liability for loss or damage, and compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations. It helps protect your warehouse operations from disputes and unexpected costs, ensuring that your transportation partners meet your service and safety standards.

When you need this document

When your warehouse hires a trucking company to handle outbound deliveries to customers.
When you are a 3PL arranging transportation for multiple clients and need a master agreement with a carrier.
When you need to establish a long-term relationship with a dedicated fleet for consistent freight movement.
When you require specialized equipment or handling, such as temperature-controlled or hazmat transport.
When you want to formalize the terms with a broker who will arrange transportation on your behalf.

What the generated draft includes

Scope of services and equipment specifications
Term, renewal, and termination provisions
Pricing, invoicing, and payment terms including fuel surcharges
Insurance requirements and cargo liability provisions
Hazardous materials compliance (if applicable)
Indemnification, confidentiality, and force majeure clauses

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a carrier and a broker in this agreement?

A carrier physically transports the goods, while a broker arranges transportation but does not own the trucks. This agreement can be adapted for either, but the liability and insurance clauses must reflect the actual role.

How does this agreement handle cargo loss or damage?

It includes a clause that requires the carrier to be liable for loss or damage per the bill of lading, subject to the carrier's tariff or the Carmack Amendment. It also sets a time limit for filing claims, typically within 48 hours of delivery.

What insurance should I require from the transportation provider?

At a minimum, you should require auto liability, cargo liability, and general liability insurance. The agreement lets you specify minimum limits, such as $1 million per occurrence for auto liability and $100,000 for cargo.

Self-help document generator: you get a structured draft based on the facts you provide. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice; verify jurisdiction-specific rules before sending.