Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the services provided by Silk Route Logistics Inc. ("SRL," "we," "our," or "us"), including our website, platform, and freight brokerage services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (whether an individual or entity) and Silk Route Logistics Inc. By creating an account, submitting a load request, or otherwise engaging with our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Services Description

Silk Route Logistics operates as a licensed freight brokerage (MC and DOT authorized) that connects shippers with motor carriers for the transportation of goods across the United States. Our services include:

• Freight brokerage and load matching for full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and specialized freight
• Real-time shipment tracking and visibility through our digital platform
• Carrier vetting, onboarding, and compliance verification
• Rate negotiation and freight pricing services
• Documentation management including bills of lading, rate confirmations, and proof of delivery
• Quick pay and payment processing for carriers
• AI-powered tools and analytics through our Marco Polo platform

SRL acts solely as an intermediary between shippers and carriers. We do not own, operate, or control any motor vehicles used in the transportation of freight.

3. User Accounts

To access certain features of our platform, you must create an account. When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete registration information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate and current
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify SRL immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

For carrier accounts, you must maintain valid operating authority (MC number), DOT registration, and adequate insurance coverage as required by federal and state regulations. SRL reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that fail to maintain required credentials.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree to use our services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:

• Use the platform to transport prohibited, illegal, or hazardous materials without proper authorization and disclosure
• Misrepresent your identity, credentials, or the nature of freight being transported
• Interfere with or disrupt the platform, servers, or networks connected to our services
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the platform or other users' accounts
• Use automated tools to scrape, harvest, or extract data from our platform without prior written consent
• Circumvent, disable, or interfere with security features of the platform
• Double-broker loads or re-broker freight without express written authorization from SRL

5. Payment Terms

For Shippers

Payment terms are established in individual rate confirmations and broker-shipper agreements. Standard payment terms are Net 30 from the date of delivery unless otherwise agreed in writing. Late payments are subject to a service charge of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance.

For Carriers

Standard payment to carriers is issued within 30 days of receiving a clean bill of lading and proof of delivery. Carriers enrolled in our Quick Pay program may receive payment within 2-5 business days, subject to applicable Quick Pay fees as outlined in the carrier agreement. All payments are made via ACH, wire transfer, or check as specified in the carrier profile.

6. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SILK ROUTE LOGISTICS INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, OR GOODWILL, REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE OF ACTION OR THE THEORY OF LIABILITY.

SRL's total liability for any claim arising out of or related to these Terms or our services shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to SRL during the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

As a freight broker, SRL is not a motor carrier and does not assume carrier liability for loss or damage to freight during transportation. Cargo claims are subject to the Carmack Amendment and applicable federal regulations, and are the responsibility of the motor carrier.

7. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Silk Route Logistics Inc., its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of our services or violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any applicable law, regulation, or third-party right
• Any freight you ship or transport through our platform
• Any dispute between you and another user of the platform
• Any inaccuracy in the information you provide to SRL

8. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. For matters involving federal transportation law, the applicable federal statutes and regulations, including 49 U.S.C. and FMCSA regulations, shall apply.

9. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services shall first be submitted to good-faith mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under its Commercial Arbitration Rules.

Arbitration shall take place in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party shall bear its own costs of arbitration, with the fees of the arbitrator shared equally.

Nothing in this section shall prevent either party from seeking injunctive or equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction for matters involving intellectual property or confidential information.

10. Changes to Terms

SRL reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes by posting the updated Terms on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

For significant changes that materially affect your rights or obligations, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you via email or through the platform at least 30 days before the changes take effect.

11. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Silk Route Logistics Inc.
Kalamazoo, MI
Phone: (269) 220-6760
Email: [email protected]