1. General Application

 

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which National Mile provides courier and delivery services. They apply to all services unless otherwise agreed in writing by a director of National Mile. No alternative terms proposed by customers, suppliers, or third parties shall apply or override these conditions.

 

2. Status of National Mile

 

National Mile does not operate as a common carrier. We retain full discretion in relation to the services we provide, including the right to:

•a) Engage third-party couriers, drivers, or logistics providers to complete all or part of a delivery

•b) Decline any booking, consignment, or part-consignment at our discretion

•c) Reject goods that are hazardous, restricted, or unsuitable for transport

 

3. Acceptance of Terms

 

By placing a booking for either a same-day or standard delivery service, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions in full.

 

4. Limitation of Liability

 

Our responsibility to you is limited and subject to the provisions set out in these Terms.

 

5. Severability

 

If any clause within these Terms is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that clause shall be removed without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions.

 

6. Waiver

 

Failure by either party to enforce any right or provision under these Terms shall not be treated as a waiver of that right or any other rights in the future.

 

7. Governing Law

 

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

 

⸻

 

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

 

8. Authority and Compliance

 

Before requesting a delivery, you confirm that:

•a) You are either the lawful owner of the goods or have obtained the owner’s consent to arrange transport

•b) The goods are lawful to possess and transport, non-hazardous, and do not breach any health, safety, or regulatory requirements

 

9. Packaging and Labelling

 

All consignments must be correctly packaged, secured, and clearly addressed. If National Mile reasonably believes that packaging is inadequate, we may refuse the consignment or repackage it at your cost.

 

⸻

 

NATIONAL MILE RESPONSIBILITIES

 

10. Method of Delivery

 

We may select any appropriate route, vehicle, or delivery method, including the use of subcontractors. Where subcontractors are used, they shall benefit from the same limitations of liability as National Mile.

 

11. Delivery Times

 

While we will make reasonable efforts to meet requested delivery times, delivery times are not guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in writing. National Mile shall not be liable for losses or expenses arising from delays beyond our reasonable control.

 

12. Inspection and Refusal

 

We reserve the right to inspect consignments if we suspect a breach of these Terms, including the presence of prohibited or dangerous goods. We may also refuse a consignment at any stage if these Terms are not complied with.

 

13. Waiting Time Charges

 

If a vehicle is delayed at collection or delivery locations for more than 15 minutes, a waiting charge of £40 plus VAT per hour, charged in increments as applicable, may be applied.

 

14. Incorrect Information

 

Where incorrect item weights, dimensions, or descriptions are supplied, National Mile reserves the right to revise pricing to reflect the actual requirements of the delivery.

 

⸻

 

FAILED DELIVERY

 

15. Recipient Unavailability

 

If delivery cannot be completed due to missing contact details or recipient absence:

•a) We will attempt to contact the booking party for further instructions using reasonable means

•b) If contact cannot be made within a reasonable timeframe, we may return the goods to the collection address, which will be charged at the standard delivery rate plus any applicable waiting time

 

16. Proof of Delivery

 

Where available, proof of delivery will be obtained and shall be accepted as confirmation that the consignment was delivered in satisfactory condition, unless concerns are recorded at the point of delivery. National Mile accepts no liability where goods are handed over in good faith to an individual presenting themselves as the recipient or their representative.

 

⸻

 

WEIGHT AND DIMENSION VARIANCES

 

17. Excess Size or Weight

 

Accurate weight and size details must be provided at the time of booking. Where actual measurements exceed those declared, or where details were not supplied and the load cannot be safely accommodated, National Mile may:

•a) Cancel the booking and apply a 100% cancellation charge, or

•b) Proceed with delivery subject to additional charges

 

The decision will be based on vehicle suitability and safety considerations.

 

⸻

 

CLAIMS AND LIABILITY

 

18. Subcontracted Deliveries

 

Where a delivery is carried out by a third-party subcontractor, responsibility for loss, theft, damage, or delay rests with that subcontractor. Any claims must be pursued directly with the subcontractor or their insurer.

 

National Mile acts solely as an intermediary in such circumstances and accepts no liability for incidents occurring while goods are under subcontractor control, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

19. Claims Notification

 

All claims must be submitted to National Mile in writing within 72 hours of the scheduled delivery time. Claims received outside this period will not be accepted.

 

⸻

 

BOOKINGS, CHANGES AND FEES

 

20. Booking Confirmation

 

All bookings are considered confirmed once a driver has been allocated or dispatched. At this point, the booking becomes chargeable in accordance with the terms below.

 

21. Cancellations

 

For light haulage services, any cancellation made after a driver has been dispatched will result in the full cost of the booking being payable. No refunds will be issued once dispatch has occurred.

 

22. Booking Amendments

 

Requests to alter a booking after dispatch—including changes to distance, route, timing, or loading and unloading requirements—may result in additional charges. Such charges will only apply where the amendment increases the time, mileage, or operational impact of the delivery.

 

23. On-Site Waiting Time

 

Where a driver is delayed at either the collection or delivery point beyond the agreed or reasonable loading or unloading period, waiting time charges will apply. Charges are calculated based on time delayed and vehicle type and may vary depending on the service provided.

 

24. Additional Operational Costs

 

Any extra costs incurred as a result of inaccurate information provided at the time of booking, restricted access, unsuitable loading conditions, or customer-caused delays may be added to the final invoice.