Asset-Based Logistics: Your Trusted Multimodal Solution

Due to ongoing fuel market volatility, fuel surcharges may be adjusted at any time based on current U.S. EIA diesel index rates at the time of shipment processing. All quotes, rates, and accessorials remain subject to these adjustments.

Reference: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/

 1. PARTIES & ROLE CLARIFICATION

Trilogy Logistics Inc. (“BROKER”) is a licensed property broker, not a carrier, freight forwarder, or warehouse operator. We facilitate the arrangement of freight transportation on behalf of our customers ("SHIPPER") with third-party motor carriers (“CARRIER”) who hold valid federal motor carrier operating authority.

2. RATE QUOTES & PAYMENT TERMS

• Rate quotes are valid for 7 calendar days unless otherwise stated in writing.
   
• Rates are subject to change due to market conditions, accessorial charges, or transit delays.
   
• Quotes do not include fuel surcharges, TONU, detention, layover, or reconsignment fees unless itemized.
   
• Payment terms: Net 30 from invoice date, provided complete PODs and documentation are submitted.
   

3. CARGO LIABILITY & INSURANCE

• Trilogy maintains contingent cargo insurance up to $250,000, subject to terms and exclusions.
   
• Primary cargo liability rests with the contracted motor carrier as per 49 USC §14706 (Carmack Amendment).
   
• Claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days of delivery. Failure to do so may result in denial.
   
• High-value shipments exceeding $250,000 must be disclosed in writing and approved before booking.
   

4. BROKER NON-LIABILITY

Trilogy shall not be liable for:

• Acts of God, weather, strikes, civil unrest, or force majeure.
   
• Consequential, incidental, or special damages, including lost profits.
   
• Delays caused by third-party carriers.
   
• Misdirected shipments due to incorrect shipping instructions provided by the shipper.
   

5. SHIPPER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure freight is properly packaged, labeled, and secured.
   
• Disclose hazardous materials and provide proper documentation (UN number, MSDS).
   
• Provide accurate dimensions, weight, and class.
   
• Comply with TSA, FMCSA, and DOT regulations.
   
• Reimburse Trilogy for any additional charges incurred due to shipper errors, false declarations, or non-disclosures.
   

6. CARRIER PERFORMANCE & LIABILITY

All contracted carriers must:

• Be FMCSA-compliant and authorized.
   
• Maintain active $1M auto liability and $150K+ cargo coverage.
   
• Not re-broker or double broker without written approval (this is considered fraud).
   
• Provide real-time tracking and full documentation (BOL, POD, photos).
   
• Accept full liability for loss, damage, or delay, as governed by the Carmack Amendment.
   

7. CONFIDENTIALITY & NON-CIRCUMVENTION

• Shipper and carrier agree not to circumvent Trilogy by directly soliciting or doing business with contacts introduced via Trilogy for 24 months post last shipment.
   
• Breach may result in liquidated damages equal to 20% of revenue generated for 36 months.
   
• All rate quotes, lane information, customer lists, and SOPs shared by Trilogy are strictly confidential.
   

8. EMAIL & COMMUNICATION DISCLAIMER

• Trilogy uses email as a formal communication method.
   
• Any accidental dissemination of confidential information does not waive confidentiality.
   
• Employees and vendors must confirm before sharing sensitive details.
   
• “Not knowing” what can be shared is not an excuse. When in doubt, ASK before you SHARE.
   

9. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL COMPLIANCE

• Trilogy must be notified in advance of any freight involving HAZMAT.
   
• UN numbers, emergency contact, and placards must be provided by the shipper.
   
• Carriers must be certified and registered with FMCSA HAZMAT authority.
   

10. INDEMNIFICATION

• Shipper and Carrier agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Trilogy Logistics Inc., its affiliates, officers, and agents from any and all claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from their own acts, omissions, or violations of law.
   

11. GOVERNING LAW & VENUE

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. All disputes shall be resolved via binding arbitration in DuPage County, IL, and the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover attorney's fees and legal costs.

12. GENERAL PROVISIONS

• Trilogy Logistics Inc. is an Illinois C-Corporation, operating under FMCSA license MC#1635138.
   
• This document supersedes all prior terms and communications.
   
• Terms may be updated periodically; latest version available at request.
   
• Use of Trilogy services constitutes acceptance of these terms.

13. Free Time / LFD Responsibility
Carrier acknowledges that Trilogy Logistics will advise container free time and Last Free Day (LFD) information as soon as it is received from the steamship line or customer. Upon receipt, carrier is responsible for planning and ensuring timely return of equipment within the advised free time.

In the event that Trilogy provides written notice of free time/LFD, carrier accepts full responsibility for any per diem, demurrage, or related charges resulting from late return of equipment. Failure to meet free time requirements after notification shall be the carrier’s liability.

If Trilogy does not provide free time/LFD notice, carrier may assume industry standard of 3–5 days. Any charges due to earlier free time limits not communicated to carrier in writing shall remain the responsibility of Trilogy’s customer, not the carrier.