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A Freight Forwarding Agreement is a legal contract between a business and a freight forwarder who manages the shipping and logistics of goods. Under New Zealand's Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, this agreement sets out how the forwarder will handle transportation, customs clearance, and documentation for importing or exporting cargo.

The agreement covers key responsibilities like cargo insurance, delivery timeframes, and liability limits. It protects both parties by clearly stating who's responsible when things go wrong, such as damaged goods or delayed shipments. For Kiwi businesses trading internationally, having this agreement in place helps ensure smooth logistics operations while meeting local maritime and customs requirements.

Use a Freight Forwarding Agreement when your business needs to ship goods internationally through a third-party logistics provider. This becomes essential for any import/export operations, especially when dealing with complex supply chains or multiple transportation methods across New Zealand's borders.

The agreement proves particularly valuable when shipping high-value items, handling time-sensitive deliveries, or managing regular shipments that require customs clearance. It provides clear documentation for insurance claims, establishes liability limits under NZ law, and helps resolve disputes about damaged cargo or delayed deliveries. Many Kiwi businesses implement these agreements before their first international shipment to avoid costly misunderstandings.

• Standard Single-Shipment Agreements: Cover one-time or occasional freight movements, focusing on specific cargo details and delivery terms
• Master Service Agreements: Used for ongoing shipping relationships, establishing general terms while allowing for shipment-specific addendums
• Multimodal Transport Agreements: Cover combinations of sea, air, and land freight, particularly relevant for New Zealand's island geography
• Industry-Specific Agreements: Tailored for sectors like agriculture or manufacturing, with specialized handling requirements
• Customs-Focused Agreements: Emphasize border compliance and documentation, especially for businesses regularly moving goods through NZ ports

• Freight Forwarders: Licensed logistics companies that arrange international shipping, handle customs documentation, and coordinate transport services
• Exporters/Importers: NZ businesses shipping goods internationally who need reliable cargo handling and customs clearance
• Legal Advisors: Corporate lawyers who draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with maritime law and trade regulations
• Customs Brokers: Licensed professionals who manage border clearance and documentation requirements
• Insurance Providers: Companies offering cargo insurance and requiring clear documentation of shipping arrangements

• Company Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers for both the freight forwarder and your business
• Service Scope: List specific services needed - cargo types, routes, customs clearance, storage requirements
• Pricing Structure: Document all fees, surcharges, insurance costs, and payment terms
• Liability Limits: Define damage compensation limits under NZ law and insurance coverage requirements
• Operational Terms: Specify delivery timeframes, tracking procedures, and documentation requirements
• Legal Review: Use our platform to generate a comprehensive agreement that includes all mandatory elements under NZ regulations

• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of freight forwarder and client
• Service Description: Detailed scope of freight forwarding services, routes, and handling requirements
• Liability Terms: Clear limits under NZ's Carriage of Goods Act and insurance requirements
• Payment Terms: Fee structure, invoicing schedule, and currency specifications
• Performance Standards: Delivery timeframes, KPIs, and quality benchmarks
• Dispute Resolution: NZ jurisdiction choice and conflict resolution procedures
• Term and Termination: Agreement duration, renewal options, and exit conditions

A Freight Forwarding Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement, though both involve third-party services. Here are the key distinctions:

• Scope of Services: Freight forwarding agreements specifically cover logistics, shipping, and customs clearance, while agency agreements establish broader representation rights across various business activities
• Legal Authority: Freight forwarders act as service providers without power to bind the client legally, whereas agents can often enter contracts on behalf of their principal
• Liability Framework: Freight forwarding agreements focus on cargo-related responsibilities under NZ's Carriage of Goods Act, while agency agreements cover general business representation liability
• Duration and Terms: Freight agreements often relate to specific shipments or periods, whereas agency agreements typically establish ongoing business relationships