Terms and Conditions of Service

These Terms and Conditions (**T&C**) govern all services provided by **Home To Home Relocations** (referred to as "HTHR," "We," "Us," or "Carrier") to the client (referred to as "Customer" or "Owner"). By accepting a quote or authorizing HTHR to commence services, the Customer agrees to be bound by these T&C in their entirety.

1. Quote, Pricing, and Payment Terms

1.1. Quote Validity and Volume Estimation

1. The initial quote is prepared based on the information provided by the Owner (visual survey, inventory list, or verbal details).
2. **Final Volume:** The final measured volume, weight, or service hours are subject to change from the estimate. The Customer agrees that the final charges will be corrected to reflect the actual volume/weight/hours required for service delivery.
3. **Volume Guarantee:** HTHR guarantees volume estimates **only** if based on a **physical survey** conducted by HTHR, provided that no additions or deletions are made to the inventory after the survey.
4. **Quote Acceptance:** Acceptance of the quote, whether written, verbal, or via payment, signifies acceptance of these T&C and the specified inclusions and exclusions.

1.2. Payment Schedule and Consequences

1. **Standard Payment:** Our standard trading policy requires **70% of the total quote amount** to be paid prior to the commencement of packing/service, and the remaining **30%** must be settled on the day of loading/pickup.
2. **Shipment Release:** The shipment will **only be forwarded** from the origin, or released at the destination, once the payment is settled in full and cleared.
3. **Holding Charges:** If a shipment is held at origin, in transit, or at destination due to pending payment, the Customer will be responsible for all accrued charges, including but not limited to **equipment rental, demurrage, port fees, storage, and handling fees**. These charges will be billed back to the Customer.

2. Transit Protection, Carrier Liability, and Time

2.2. Transit Protection and Claims

1. **Transit Protection:** HTHR will only arrange additional Transit Protection based on the itemized value list provided by the Owner. This must be received **before** the start of packing.
2. **Owner Packed Goods (PBO):** Items packed by the Owner (**PBO**) are generally **not covered** under standard transit protection policies due to the inability to verify packing quality and condition.
3. **Packing Standards:** Any item that is not appropriately packed (as determined by HTHR or its agents) will **not** be covered under transit protection, regardless of the declared value.
4. **Misdeclaration:** Declaration of shipment value for customs and Transit Protection purposes is the **sole responsibility of the Owner**. HTHR, its agents, or representatives will not be responsible for any misdeclaration, fines, or penalties incurred.

2.3. Transit Time (Not Guaranteed)

1. **Estimation Only:** Any transit time provided is an **estimate only**, based on carrier information and normal shipping conditions. These times are **subject to change without notice** due to factors outside of HTHR's control, including weather, port congestion, customs delays, and carrier schedules.
2. **No Compensation:** HTHR and its agents **will not be responsible** for any change or delay in transit time, nor will they offer any compensation, including for any consequential losses (e.g., accommodation or living expenses) resulting from such delays.
3. **Updates:** The Shipper should contact HTHR or their assigned agent for updates while the shipment is in transit.

3. Customer Responsibilities and Prohibited Items

3.1. Final Walkthrough and Inventory

1. The Customer is responsible for conducting a **final walkthrough** of the premises and confirming with the crew leader that all intended items are packed and loaded prior to the departure of the crew.
2. Any subsequent collection or shipment requested after the crew's departure will be arranged at **additional cost**.

3.2. Prohibited and Restricted Items

1. The Owner must ensure that **no restricted, regulated, or dangerous items** are packed in the shipment. The Owner should consult destination guides and HTHR's specific transit protection terms for clarification.
2. **HTHR Excluded Items:** Under **no circumstances** should any of the following items (list is not exhaustive) be packed for shipping. HTHR assumes **no liability** for these items:
   • Jewelry, watches, furs, or precious stones.
   • Currency, currency collections, stamps, or bullion.
   • Negotiable instruments, stocks, bonds, or related financial documents.
   • Confidential documents (passports, titles, deeds, wills).
   • Weapons, ammunition, explosives, or illegal substances (drugs).
   • Flammable liquids, dangerous goods, or corrosive materials.
   • Animal skin, human remains/ashes.
   • Antiques considered national heritage or items restricted by CITES.
3. The Customer is liable for any fines, penalties, damages, or costs incurred by HTHR due to the inclusion of prohibited items.

4. Storage and Crating Services

4.1. Storage Services (Short and Long Term)

1. All goods placed into storage are subject to a **separate storage agreement** detailing terms, monthly fees, access rights, and termination clauses.
2. **Liability in Storage:** HTHR's liability for goods in storage is governed by the specific storage insurance policy purchased by the Customer. Without separate storage insurance, HTHR's liability will be strictly limited to the minimum legal requirements of the jurisdiction.
3. **Non-Payment:** If storage fees are overdue, HTHR reserves the right to exercise a **lien** on the goods and dispose of them to recoup outstanding costs, as permitted by Canadian law.

4.2. Crating Services

1. Crating services are performed to industry standards to protect fragile or high-value items during transit.
2. HTHR is not liable for internal damage to crated items if the external crate remains undamaged, suggesting pre-existing flaws or inadequate internal support.