SEAWAY EXPORT UA, LLC
440 Telfair Rd, Unit A
Garden City, GA 31415
Tel: +1-800-380-9315
Email: info@seawayexport.com
Website: www.seawayexport.com
VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION AND PROCUREMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Reviewed: January 1, 2025
These Vehicle Transportation and Procurement Terms and Conditions (the "Agreement") govern all services rendered by Seaway Export UA, LLC ("Seaway Export") to its customers ("Customer"). By engaging Seaway Export's services, Customer acknowledges and agrees to be legally bound by this Agreement.
1. Services
Seaway Export provides vehicle transportation, customs clearance, and auction account management services (the "Services"). These Services are governed by this Agreement and, where applicable, any Bill of Lading issued by Seaway Export. Customer agrees that Seaway Export alone facilitates these Services and waives any claims against Seaway Export's owners, affiliates, or subsidiaries. Customer affirms that no known or unknown claims exist against Seaway Export at the time of engagement.
2. Carrier Representation
Seaway Export may subcontract the transportation of vehicles to its affiliated or third-party carriers ("Carrier"). Customer appoints Seaway Export as its agent for liaising with such Carriers. Routing, mode of transport, and operational decisions remain within the discretion of the Carrier. Seaway Export disclaims liability for delays or loss resulting from Carrier actions, bankruptcy, or insolvency.
3. Auction Accounts
Customers using auction accounts provided by Seaway Export are responsible for all purchases made through the account, including those made by unauthorized third parties. Inactivity for 90 days will result in automatic account closure. Payment is due within three (3) business days from auction date; otherwise, late fees will apply as invoiced by the auction. If Seaway Export advances funds to secure a vehicle, a 10% finance charge will be added. Vehicles not picked up due to unpaid balances or issues will incur "dry run" fees and other related charges. Seaway Export is not responsible for missing keys, parts, or delays caused by auction facilities or third-party accounts.
4. Export Clearance
Seaway Export will manage U.S. export clearance using information and documents provided by Customer. Customer bears responsibility for timely submission of all documentation and signed authorization letters.
5. Import Compliance
Customer shall be the importer of record and is solely responsible for complying with all import regulations, customs requirements, documentation, duties, and taxes of the destination country and Port of Discharge. Seaway Export does not provide legal, logistical, or administrative support related to destination country import processes. Seaway Export shall not intervene, represent, or assume responsibility for disputes, detentions, or penalties imposed by destination authorities under any circumstances.
6. Delivery Timeline
All delivery timelines are estimates. Seaway Export disclaims all warranties, express or implied, regarding specific pickup, transit, or delivery dates.
7. Power of Attorney
Customer grants Seaway Export Power of Attorney to complete and submit documentation related to vehicle purchase, sale, export, and import. This includes filing Electronic Export Information (EEI) and other required submissions with U.S. government agencies.
8. Shipment Status
Seaway Export provides shipment updates through its online portal and email. Customer is solely responsible for tracking and acting on updates. Seaway Export is not liable for any delay or loss resulting from failure to monitor shipment status.
9. Payment Terms
Customer shall remit payment in full within seven (7) calendar days from the date of invoice unless otherwise agreed in writing. All payments must be made in U.S. Dollars. A late fee of 1.5% per week will apply to all overdue balances. Overpayments may be applied to future shipments unless contested within fourteen (14) days. Seaway Export reserves the right to withhold any shipping documents, vehicle titles, or release authorizations until payment is received in full. Seaway Export shall maintain a possessory lien on any vehicles or cargo until such time as all outstanding balances are settled. If multiple outstanding invoices exist, Seaway Export reserves the right to apply payments to the oldest past-due balance first, unless explicitly instructed in writing by the Customer. Payments must come directly from the consignee or authorized receiving party. Third-party payments may be returned unless preapproved.
10. Customs and Inspection Fees
Customer is liable for all inspection, terminal handling, storage, and demurrage fees incurred due to CBP actions or auction facility requirements.
11. Title Delays
Customer is solely responsible for ensuring that title documents submitted for export are complete, original, and acceptable for export under current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. Seaway Export does not guarantee the acceptance of any title document and shall not be liable for delays or penalties resulting from CBP rejection, changing enforcement practices, or policy updates.
Seaway Export reserves the right to reject any title document at the time of delivery if, in its sole judgment, the documentation appears to be incomplete, invalid for export, or noncompliant with CBP guidance.
Acceptable title documents typically include—but are not limited to—Original Certificates of Title, Salvage Titles, Auction-Verified Ownership Receipts, and Export Receipts clearly marked as transferable and free of legal encumbrances. CBP alone determines what documentation is export-eligible and reserves the right to deny clearance at its sole discretion. Seaway Export has no authority to override CBP determinations.
A daily storage fee of $20 applies after 14 calendar days for any cargo held due to incomplete or unacceptable title documentation. If acceptable documentation is not provided within 30 days of notice, cargo will be considered abandoned and may be disposed of or sold according to applicable law. Customer will remain liable for all accrued charges and any legal or administrative costs associated with the abandonment process.
12. Cargo Condition, Safety Compliance & Prohibited Contents
12.1 Hazardous Materials, Dangerous Goods & Prohibited Cargo
Customer warrants that no vehicle or cargo tendered to Seaway Export contains hazardous materials or dangerous goods of any kind, including but not limited to flammable liquids or gases, undeclared fuel above permitted limits, lithium batteries not installed to OEM specification, chemicals, solvents, pressurized containers, explosives, ammunition, narcotics, controlled substances, or any item classified as hazardous, restricted, or prohibited under U.S. DOT, CBP, TSA, FMC, IMO, IMDG, or port regulations.
Customer agrees to fully indemnify Seaway Export for all damages, penalties, fines, cleanup costs, environmental charges, port fees, storage, or government actions arising from prohibited or undeclared hazardous items discovered within the cargo.
If hazardous or prohibited materials are discovered at any time, Seaway Export may immediately refuse, halt, or cancel service. Cargo may be seized, destroyed, or quarantined by port or government authorities. Customer remains responsible for all associated costs.
12.2 Fluid Leaks, Unsafe Vehicles & Environmental Compliance
Customer acknowledges that all vehicles must be delivered in a safe, non-leaking, and environmentally compliant condition. Any vehicle exhibiting oil leaks, coolant leaks, transmission or brake fluid leaks, fuel leaks, battery acid leakage, structural instability, broken glass, unsafe tires, or any other condition that poses a safety or environmental risk may be rejected or quarantined at Seaway Export's discretion.
Customer is responsible for all environmental cleanup costs, absorbent materials, EPA or port fines, hazardous handling fees, storage, labor charges, and delays caused by vehicles delivered in an unsafe or non-compliant condition.
Seaway Export shall bear no liability for delays, port holds, cleaning charges, or government actions resulting from such conditions.
12.3 Right to Inspect, Refuse, or Halt Processing
Seaway Export reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to inspect, refuse, halt, or cancel processing of any cargo at any time if Seaway Export determines that the cargo poses a safety risk, regulatory risk, environmental hazard, documentation deficiency, misrepresentation, or operational burden.
Seaway Export may require corrective action, supplemental fees, reclassification, additional documentation, or alternative arrangements before the cargo is accepted or processed. Customer shall be responsible for all related costs.
13. Inoperable or Oversized Cargo
If cargo does not fit into standard containers, Seaway Export may use alternative methods at Customer's expense. All oversized cargo is subject to remeasurement at port and will be billed accordingly.
14. Towing Charges
Towing will be billed based on posted rates. Customer is responsible for costs due to inaccessibility, operational issues, or oversize cargo.
15. Damage Waiver and Insurance
15.1 Damage Waiver
Customer waives all claims for damage, loss, or theft unless caused solely by Seaway Export's proven negligence while the cargo is in Seaway Export's direct physical custody. Seaway Export is not liable for personal belongings, aftermarket parts, loose items, tools, or any undeclared contents placed inside the vehicle. Customer agrees not to ship contraband and shall fully indemnify Seaway Export against all penalties, losses, and liabilities arising from prohibited or undeclared cargo.
Seaway Export does not perform cargo valuation, diminished-value assessments, resale impact evaluations, or damage appraisals of any kind, and shall not be liable for any alleged decrease in market value, cosmetic depreciation, or loss of commercial opportunity.
15.2 Normal Movement, Shifting, and Cosmetic Wear Disclaimer
Customer acknowledges that loading, securing, transporting, and unloading vehicles inside ocean containers involves natural and unavoidable forces including vibration, compression, shifting, strap tension, forklift handling, and physical contact with loading equipment and/or adjacent vehicles. Accordingly, the following conditions are expressly defined as normal and are not considered damage or grounds for any claim:
- minor rub marks, friction marks, or strap/lashing impressions
- light abrasions to paint, plastic, tires, or interior panels
- dust, dirt, or residue associated with port or warehouse operations
- cosmetic scuffs or marks that do not affect structural integrity
- slight bumper contact, light scraping, or paint transfer that does not penetrate the coating
- interior rattling, movement, or wear caused by vehicle motion in transit
- marks resulting from shifting within the container due to ocean conditions
These conditions arise from ordinary marine transit forces and do not constitute negligence, improper loading, or mishandling.
Customer agrees that such cosmetic conditions are excluded from liability under this Agreement, and no claims shall be accepted for cosmetic wear, contact marks, or any non-structural aesthetic conditions.
15.3 Load Configuration, Vehicle Positioning, and Container Utilization
Customer acknowledges that all decisions regarding the method, sequence, placement, arrangement, and configuration of vehicles and cargo inside a container—including, but not limited to, upper or lower positioning, proximity to walls or other cargo, spacing, lashing, strapping, and the selection of equipment—shall be made exclusively by Seaway Export in its sole judgment. Customer understands that such decisions are operational in nature and may depend upon safety considerations, equipment availability, the condition of the vehicles, dimensional constraints, and the professional discretion of Seaway Export's loading personnel. Accordingly, Seaway Export does not guarantee any particular load configuration, does not accept customer requests regarding placement as binding, and shall have no liability for alleged inefficiencies, unused space, or claims that additional vehicles could have been loaded.
Customer expressly waives any claim alleging that a different load configuration, arrangement, or orientation would have prevented cosmetic marks, shifting, or other conditions inherent to containerized transport. Seaway Export shall not be responsible for any assertion that a vehicle should have been loaded in a preferred position, that a different combination or order would have produced a different outcome, or that the loading configuration affected resale value or damage probability. Customer further acknowledges that all dimensions, modifications, and vehicle fitment characteristics are the responsibility of the Customer, and any vehicle found to be oversized, mismeasured, or otherwise incompatible with standard loading parameters is accepted solely at Customer's risk. All loading decisions by Seaway Export are final, non-negotiable, and shall not constitute grounds for any dispute, reduction of charges, refund, or claim of any kind.
15.4 Auction Photos, Listing Descriptions, and Condition Representations
Customer understands and agrees that all photographs, descriptions, condition reports, disclosures, damage notes, odometer statements, mechanical assessments, and any other information provided by auction facilities or sellers are created and supplied solely by those third parties, and are not reviewed, verified, confirmed, or authenticated by Seaway Export. Auction photographs are often incomplete, taken from limited angles, affected by lighting or shadows, and may omit material defects. Customer acknowledges that auction listings frequently fail to disclose mechanical issues, prior damage, missing parts, undercarriage or frame concerns, and other conditions that may be unknown at the time of purchase.
Seaway Export disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any auction-provided images or descriptions and shall not be held liable for any pre-existing damage, undisclosed defects, incorrect "run and drive" designations, or any misrepresentation made by the auction, seller, or other third party. Customer agrees that auction photos and descriptions do not constitute proof of pre-shipment condition, and no claim, dispute, refund request, or chargeback may be asserted against Seaway Export based upon alleged discrepancies between auction representations and the actual condition of the vehicle. Any dispute related to listing accuracy, condition disclosure, title status, odometer statements, or any other auction-related matter must be resolved directly with the auction facility or seller, and Seaway Export shall bear no obligation to intervene, dispute findings, or act on Customer's behalf.
16. Government Holds, Seizures, Inspections, and Law Enforcement Actions
16.1 Scope of Government Authority
Customer acknowledges that all cargo handled by Seaway Export is, at all times, subject to inspection, examination, detention, hold, seizure, or forfeiture by U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP"), the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration ("TSA"), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ("FMCSA"), port authorities, terminal operators, local police, and any other federal, state, or municipal authority with jurisdiction. Such actions may occur without notice and may be based on documentation review, VIN verification, safety concerns, fraud indicators, or other regulatory triggers determined solely by the applicable authority.
16.2 No Liability for Government Actions
Seaway Export shall bear no liability whatsoever for delays, penalties, missed sailings, failure to export, port congestion, storage accrual, loss of cargo, or any other consequence arising directly or indirectly from a government-directed action. This includes, without limitation, CBP secondary exams, agricultural inspections, radiation scanning, fraud or title investigations, port safety inspections, or any law-enforcement intervention. Customer shall not be entitled to reimbursement, refund, chargeback, compensation, or damages for any government-related interference.
16.3 Customer Responsibility for Costs
All costs associated with a government hold or inspection shall be borne solely by the Customer. These costs include, but are not limited to, storage, demurrage, per diem, port rent, terminal handling, drayage and redelivery, repositioning charges, container flip fees, examination and inspection fees, government-imposed penalties, administrative fees, and any legal or compliance-related expenses incurred by Seaway Export. Seaway Export may invoice Customer immediately upon notification of such charges, and Customer agrees to pay all such invoices in full without delay.
16.4 Withholding of Cargo and Documentation
Seaway Export shall have no obligation to release cargo, vehicle titles, Bills of Lading, export filings, or any related documents until all government-related charges, accrued storage, port fees, and service invoices are paid in full. If the total charges exceed the value of the cargo, or if Customer fails or refuses to pay such charges, Seaway Export may classify the cargo as abandoned and enforce its lien rights as provided in this Agreement and applicable law.
16.5 Seizure, Confiscation, or Forfeiture
In the event any government authority seizes, impounds, confiscates, or forfeits the cargo—whether due to suspected or confirmed stolen status, VIN discrepancies, fraudulent documentation, export violations, contraband, or any other investigative basis—Seaway Export assumes no duty to contest or recover the cargo. Customer remains fully responsible for all accrued charges, and all outstanding invoices shall remain due. No refund, replacement, or compensation shall be provided under any circumstance, and such seizure shall not be deemed negligence or wrongdoing by Seaway Export.
16.6 Fraud, Suspicious Activity, and Undeclared Contents
If any government hold or investigation arises due to stolen vehicle reports, VIN tampering, cloned or fraudulent VINs, forged or invalid titles, odometer or identity irregularities, undeclared contents, contraband, narcotics, weapons, or any other prohibited or suspicious activity, Customer shall bear full financial responsibility for all associated costs and penalties. Seaway Export may provide documents, information, or cooperation to the relevant authorities as required by law without liability to the Customer.
16.7 No Guarantee of Export Clearance
Seaway Export does not guarantee export clearance, document acceptance, VIN or title approval, release of cargo from government custody, completion of inspection within any timeline, or departure on any particular vessel or booking. All export approval decisions rest exclusively with CBP and the applicable authorities.
16.8 Cooperation With Government Authorities
Customer understands and agrees that Seaway Export may, where required by law, regulation, or government request, provide information, documents, access, or cooperation to government agencies, without liability to Customer and without waiving any rights under this Agreement.
17. Consequential Damages
Seaway Export shall not be liable for consequential or indirect damages including loss of profits, revenue, or use.
18. Claims Process
All claims for cargo damage or loss must be submitted in writing within three (3) calendar days of delivery, or, in the event of non-delivery, within three (3) days of the scheduled delivery date. A valid claim must include:
- Photographs of the cargo before loading and upon arrival (prior to unloading from the container)
- A signed delivery receipt noting damage, if applicable
- Two (2) written estimates for repair
- Evidence of purchase price and payment
- A complete claims form and statement of loss
Claims not meeting these criteria will be rejected. In the case of total loss at sea, Seaway Export's maximum liability is limited to $500 per vehicle unless additional marine insurance was purchased. All claims must be sent to info@seawayexport.com.
No claim shall be considered if cargo was shipped without written request for insurance. Civil suits arising from rejected claims must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days of denial. Customer agrees that failure to meet these requirements constitutes a waiver of any right to recovery.
19. Storage Liability, Fire, Theft, Weather & Catastrophic Events
19.1 Storage at Customer's Risk
All vehicles and cargo stored at any Seaway Export facility, yard, warehouse, or affiliated location—whether temporary, long-term, voluntary, or as a result of operational or government delay—are stored entirely at the Customer's risk. Seaway Export does not serve as an insurer or warehouseman and does not assume custodial liability for stored cargo except to the minimal extent required by applicable law.
19.2 No Liability for Fire, Theft, Vandalism, or Weather Events
Seaway Export shall bear no liability whatsoever for loss, deterioration, or destruction of cargo resulting from fire, smoke, arson, burglary, theft, trespass, vandalism, malicious mischief, civil unrest, riot, or any other unauthorized activity. Likewise, Seaway Export shall not be liable for loss or damage caused by wind, hail, rain, flooding, storm surge, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, temperature conditions, or any atmospheric or natural event.
19.3 No Liability for Acts of God or Catastrophic Events
Seaway Export is not responsible for loss or damage arising from Acts of God or catastrophic events, including but not limited to natural disasters, earthquakes, wildfires, port shutdowns, infrastructure failure, or any occurrence outside Seaway Export's immediate physical control.
19.4 Customer Responsibility for Insurance
Customer is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining any insurance coverage desired during transport, handling, or storage. Failure to secure insurance constitutes Customer's express acceptance of all storage-related risks.
19.5 No Liability for Rodents, Wildlife, Corrosion, or Environmental Staining
Seaway Export shall not be liable for any conditions caused by rodent activity, insects, birds, wildlife, tree sap, dust, soot, industrial fallout, salt exposure, or surface staining inherent to outdoor or port-adjacent environments.
19.6 Charges Still Apply Regardless of Loss or Damage
Customer remains responsible for all storage fees, handling fees, port charges, administrative fees, and towing or repositioning expenses incurred during the storage period, regardless of whether cargo experiences loss or damage from any cause described in this Section.
19.7 No Claims, Refunds, or Compensation
Under no circumstances shall Seaway Export be liable for compensation, replacement value, diminution in value, loss of use, or any form of consequential, indirect, or incidental damages arising from storage-related events.
20. Storage Policies
A. Domestic Storage: Vehicles delivered to Seaway Export premises for export or processing are granted thirty (30) days of free storage, provided valid documents are on file. For any vehicle delivered mistakenly or without prior coordination, or due to any unforeseen circumstance, storage fees of $20 per day will begin accruing from the date of receipt. Additionally, a $100 handling fee will be applied upon intake and a $100 release fee upon pickup or disposal. If legal processing is required for lien, repossession, abandoned title, or similar services, Seaway Export will assess a minimum fee of $300 per vehicle or higher depending on jurisdictional filing costs, which are subject to adjustment based on state regulations and required third-party services.
B. International Storage: For vehicles stored at international branches or affiliated warehouses after export, three (3) days of free storage will be granted. After this period, a storage fee of $10 per day applies. If cargo is not picked up within thirty (30) days of its arrival or release, Seaway Export reserves the right to declare the cargo abandoned, notify relevant authorities, and initiate resale, scrapping, or legal disposal in accordance with local laws.
Seaway Export reserves the right to enforce a warehouseman's lien under applicable U.S. law, including UCC §7-209, and under international law where applicable, for any unpaid charges related to storage, documentation, title work, or any associated services. Cargo deemed abandoned may be liquidated, resold, scrapped, or lawfully disposed of after thirty (30) days' notice. All storage liabilities, including accrued fees, will remain with the Customer regardless of cargo disposition.
For international storage, all terms shall comply with the applicable laws of the destination country, and Seaway Export's right to recover fees, impose lien, or initiate resale will remain enforceable to the maximum extent allowed.
21. Unclaimed Vehicles & Unknown Ownership
In the event a vehicle is delivered to Seaway Export's premises without prior coordination, booking confirmation, or valid ownership identification, Seaway Export shall make reasonable efforts to determine the rightful owner or intended consignee based on title records, Bill of Lading documentation, or visible identifiers. If the rightful owner cannot be identified or contacted within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of delivery, the vehicle shall be deemed unclaimed and subject to lien, disposal, or sale in accordance with UCC §7-209 and applicable Georgia state law.
Reasonable efforts to identify the owner may include referencing the title, public records, auction records, and notification attempts to any available contact or consignee appearing on the delivery documents.
Seaway Export shall incur no liability for damage, loss, delay, or abandonment arising from delivery of a vehicle by third parties without prior authorization or customer registration. Any party asserting ownership or requesting release of an unclaimed vehicle must:
- Present valid government-issued identification;
- Provide proof of ownership and/or chain of title; and
- Pay all accrued storage, handling, title verification, and legal administration fees in full prior to release.
If no claim or valid request is received within sixty (60) calendar days of delivery, Seaway Export reserves the right to initiate title processing and claim ownership through a mechanic's lien, bonded title, or any other applicable state-authorized abandonment process.
22. Insurance Disclaimer
Seaway Export does not provide automatic insurance coverage. Optional insurance for port-to-port or inland transport is available only upon written request and payment before shipment. Insurance coverage becomes effective only after written confirmation is issued by Seaway Export. Customer's failure to request insurance in writing shall constitute an express waiver and refusal of coverage.
In the event of loss or damage, Seaway Export shall not be liable for any uninsured shipment. Customer assumes all risk of loss, theft, or damage if no insurance is elected. Seaway Export is under no obligation to notify, remind, or recommend insurance unless requested in writing. Insurance premiums are non-refundable once shipment departs origin.
24. Warranty Disclaimer
All Services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. Seaway Export disclaims all implied warranties including merchantability, fitness for purpose, and non-infringement.
25. Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Seaway Export's liability exceed the lesser of: (A) actual repair costs, (B) amounts paid by Customer, or (C) the limitations set by COGSA or Bill of Lading terms.
26. Subcontracting
Seaway Export may assign or subcontract any part of the Services without prior notice.
27. Indemnification
Customer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Seaway Export and its affiliates from all third-party claims related to cargo, Services, regulatory violations, or breach of this Agreement.
28. Governing Law
Subject to the mandatory arbitration provisions in Section 34, any disputes not subject to arbitration shall be resolved in the courts of Chatham County, Georgia, under the laws of the United States and State of Georgia, including federal maritime law where applicable. Prevailing party may recover legal costs.
29. Force Majeure
Seaway Export shall not be liable for delays or failures due to force majeure events including natural disasters, acts of war, terrorism, labor strikes, or government restrictions.
30. Severability
If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.
31. Modification
This Agreement may be modified by Seaway Export at any time. Updates will require Customer's acceptance before next booking.
32. Sanctions and Compliance
Customer warrants that neither it nor its cargo is blacklisted or in violation of international sanctions. Customer shall indemnify Seaway Export for any breach.
33. Entire Agreement
This document, together with Seaway Export's Tariffs and the applicable Bill of Lading, represents the complete and exclusive agreement between the parties. This Agreement supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications, proposals, and agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the Services. No oral statement or informal communication shall modify or override any provision herein. Only amendments signed in writing by an authorized officer of Seaway Export or electronically accepted through Seaway Export's website shall be deemed binding. The English version of this Agreement shall prevail over any translated versions in the event of a discrepancy.
34. MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER
34.1 Agreement to Arbitrate
BY ACCEPTING THESE TERMS OR USING SEAWAY EXPORT'S SERVICES, CUSTOMER AGREES THAT ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS, OR CONTROVERSIES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE SERVICES, ANY BILL OF LADING, OR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, "DISPUTES") SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH FINAL AND BINDING INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION RATHER THAN IN COURT, EXCEPT THAT CUSTOMER MAY ASSERT CLAIMS IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT IF ELIGIBLE. THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT SHALL APPLY TO ALL DISPUTES WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT, STATUTE, FRAUD, MISREPRESENTATION, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE DISPUTE AROSE BEFORE OR AFTER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
34.2 Arbitration Procedures
The arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and Supplementary Procedures for Consumer Related Disputes, as modified by this Agreement. The AAA rules are available at www.adr.org or by calling 1-800-778-7879. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single neutral arbitrator. The arbitration hearing shall take place in Chatham County, Georgia, unless the parties mutually agree to a different location or to conduct the arbitration by telephone, video conference, or documentary submission.
34.3 Arbitration Costs
For Disputes involving claims of less than $25,000, Seaway Export shall pay all AAA filing, administration, and arbitrator fees. For Disputes involving claims greater than $25,000, payment of all such fees shall be governed by AAA rules. Each party shall bear its own attorneys' fees and costs in arbitration unless the arbitrator finds that either the substance of the claim or the relief sought was frivolous or brought for an improper purpose, in which case the arbitrator may award attorneys' fees and costs consistent with applicable law.
34.4 Small Claims Court Exception
Either party may bring a Dispute in small claims court in Chatham County, Georgia if it qualifies for hearing by such court. Either party may also seek provisional remedies or injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent irreparable harm pending arbitration.
34.5 CLASS ACTION WAIVER
THE PARTIES AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING DISPUTES AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE ACTION OR PROCEEDING. UNLESS BOTH PARTIES AGREE OTHERWISE IN WRITING, THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE MORE THAN ONE PERSON'S CLAIMS AND MAY NOT OTHERWISE PRESIDE OVER ANY FORM OF REPRESENTATIVE, CLASS, OR COLLECTIVE PROCEEDING. If this class action waiver is found to be unenforceable for any reason, then the entirety of this arbitration provision shall be null and void, and the parties shall proceed with litigation in court.
34.6 Arbitrator's Authority
The arbitrator shall have exclusive authority to resolve all Disputes, including disputes about the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this arbitration agreement, except that a court shall determine: (i) whether this arbitration agreement is unconscionable; (ii) whether this class action waiver is enforceable; and (iii) whether an issue is arbitrable. The arbitrator shall be empowered to grant whatever relief would be available in court under law or in equity. The arbitrator's award shall be written and binding on the parties and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.
34.7 Time Limitation
ANY ARBITRATION OR COURT PROCEEDING (IF PERMITTED) MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. THIS ONE-YEAR LIMITATION PERIOD IS INCLUSIVE OF AND NOT IN ADDITION TO OTHER TIME LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT (SUCH AS THE 3-DAY NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR CARGO CLAIMS). FAILURE TO COMMENCE ARBITRATION WITHIN THIS PERIOD SHALL CONSTITUTE AN ABSOLUTE BAR AND WAIVER OF ALL SUCH CLAIMS.
34.8 Severability and Survival
If any provision of this arbitration agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. If the class action waiver is deemed unenforceable, the entire arbitration agreement shall be void. This arbitration agreement shall survive the termination of the business relationship between Customer and Seaway Export.
34.9 Opt-Out Right
Customer may opt out of this arbitration agreement by sending written notice of its decision to opt-out to: Legal Department, Seaway Export UA, LLC, 440 Telfair Rd, Unit A, Garden City, GA 31415, or via certified mail within thirty (30) days of first accepting these Terms. The notice must include Customer's name, address, and clear statement of intent to opt out of arbitration. Failure to opt out within this period constitutes acceptance of this arbitration provision.
34.10 JURY TRIAL WAIVER
WHETHER IN ARBITRATION OR IN COURT (IF ARBITRATION IS NOT ENFORCED), BOTH PARTIES VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
34.11 Notice and Communication
Any notice required for arbitration proceedings shall be sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, and email (if email address is on file) to the parties' last known addresses. For Seaway Export: Legal Department, 440 Telfair Rd, Unit A, Garden City, GA 31415, info@seawayexport.com.
34.12 Modification
This arbitration agreement may only be modified by written agreement signed by authorized representatives of both parties or by mutual agreement during arbitration proceedings as recorded by the arbitrator.
Acknowledgment and Constructive Agreement
By clicking "Accept" on Seaway Export's website, creating a user account, requesting a quote, engaging in shipment, storage, or transportation services, arranging delivery of cargo to any Seaway Export location, or otherwise interacting with Seaway Export in any business or logistical capacity, the Customer (or any acting party) acknowledges and agrees to be fully bound by the most recent version of these Terms and Conditions.
This Agreement shall be deemed enforceable against any party whose property enters, remains at, or is processed by Seaway Export's facility, regardless of whether such party has executed a written contract, as long as Seaway Export has acted in reliance on the shipment, storage, or delivery. Receipt of cargo, verbal arrangements, or delivery coordination shall constitute constructive acceptance of these Terms.
Seaway Export reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions from time to time, and any such modifications will be deemed accepted by continued use of services or engagement with Seaway Export following publication. The current version of this Agreement shall always be available at www.seawayexport.com/legal/terms-and-conditions.