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Transportation Services Agreement for Freight and Logistics

Support Activities for Transportation · NAICS 488 · Transportation Services Agreement

A Transportation Services Agreement is a critical contract for companies in the Support Activities for Transportation sector (NAICS 488) that arrange or provide freight transportation. This agreement clearly defines the relationship between a shipper (or broker) and a motor carrier, covering essential terms such as services, equipment, insurance, cargo liability, and compliance with FMCSA regulations. Unlike generic templates, this specialized agreement addresses industry-specific issues like MC numbers, the Carmack Amendment, and detention charges, helping you avoid costly disputes and ensure regulatory compliance. Use this tool to generate a solid draft that you can review with your legal counsel.

When you need this document

When you are a freight broker or 3PL hiring a motor carrier to move your client's freight.
When you are a shipper entering into a long-term contract with a trucking company for regular lane services.
When you need to establish clear liability and insurance terms for high-value or sensitive cargo.
When you are a carrier seeking to formalize terms with a direct shipper to avoid misunderstandings.
When you are expanding your transportation services to include intermodal or specialized equipment and need a tailored agreement.

What the generated draft includes

Parties and recitals with MC and USDOT numbers
Scope of services and equipment specifications
Insurance requirements and certificates of insurance
Cargo liability and claims procedure under the Carmack Amendment
Detention, layover, and accessorial charges
Independent contractor status and compliance with laws
Indemnification and limitation of liability
Term, termination, and dispute resolution

Frequently asked questions

What is the Carmack Amendment and why is it in my agreement?

The Carmack Amendment is a federal law that governs the liability of motor carriers for loss or damage to cargo in interstate commerce. Including it in your agreement ensures that claims are handled under a uniform federal standard, preempting state laws that could otherwise create inconsistent outcomes.

Why do I need to include MC and USDOT numbers?

MC and USDOT numbers identify the carrier's operating authority and safety record with the FMCSA. Including them in the agreement ensures you are contracting with a properly licensed carrier and helps you verify their insurance and safety compliance.

Can I use this agreement for both FTL and LTL shipments?

Yes, the agreement can be tailored to cover various service types, including FTL and LTL. However, you should specify the applicable service type and any special terms, such as handling of LTL shipments, in the scope section to avoid ambiguity.

Self-help document generator: you get a structured draft based on the facts you provide. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice; verify jurisdiction-specific rules before sending.