Carriage Terms and Conditions for Shipping With Routely

Carriage Terms and Conditions for Shipping With Routely

General Shipping Terms and Conditions

By making a booking or sending a package through Routely System Ltd., Routely System Inc., or Routely (“Routely”) our platform www.routely.co, our mobile apps, you agree to be bound by these General Terms and Conditions. These terms govern all domestic and international shipments made through our platform.


1. Agreement to Carrier Terms

Routely is an technological infrastructure powering local and international logistics solutions. We aggregate and work with various delivery providers, third-party carriers, freight forwarders, insurance companies and couriers (“Carriers”) to facilitate your shipment. Routely reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time.

By sending a shipment through Routely, whether prepared offline (manually) or on the Routely platform, you agree to be bound by the specific Carriage Terms and Conditions of each partner that handles your package or we work with. Partner terms may include liability limits, claims processes, and delivery policies. You may review each carrier’s terms on their respective websites as below:

DHL Express
UPS
FedEx
Aramex
Kwik Delivery
Redstar Express
My Cover Genius - Insurance (Shipment Protection)


2. Shipment Protection & 100% Money-Back Guarantee

Routely offers optional Shipment Protection as an added layer of security for your goods. If you wish to access our 100% Money-Back Guarantee, the following conditions must be met at the time of booking:

  • You must select and pay for Shipment Protection.

  • You must attach a clear image of the item(s) being shipped.

  • You must declare the accurate value of each item (only the declared value + shipping fees can be claimed).

If these conditions are not met, your shipment will only be eligible for limited compensation as determined by the Carrier's policies. Routely may also compensate for a loss and will assist with claims where possible, but accepts no liability beyond the Carrier’s compensation limits if Shipment Protection is not activated.


3. Declared Value & Claims

In the unlikely event that anything happens to your package:
  • The declared value at the time of booking is the maximum amount claimable in the event of loss or damage. You cannot claim a higher value later under any circumstances.
  • Declared values will form the basis for insurance coverage, if applicable.

  • Items not declared in the shipment inventory at booking will be considered not shipped. No claims can be made for such items, and Routely will not accept responsibility.

  • You can only file for claims if you turned on "Shipment Protection" when booking your shipment

  • You are able to claim the shipping fees + declared package value.


4. Item Declaration & Packaging Responsibility

  • Customers must declare each item being shipped individually.

  • Routely provides general packaging assistance (e.g., carton, adequate marking and labelling, standard food vacuuming and sealing assistance etc), but it is the Customer’s sole responsibility to ensure that the shipment is securely and properly packaged.

  • Fragile items (e.g., artwork, skincare, electronics, liquids, glassware, etc.) must be packed using materials suitable to prevent breakage, leakage, or theft.

  • Routely is not liable for damage due to inadequate packaging.


5. Rates and Adjustments

  • All rates are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in carrier pricing, fuel surcharges, currency exchange rates, or other factors.

  • If the actual weight or size of the shipment exceeds the declared weight/volume at booking:

    • Routely reserves the right to recalculate the charges and bill accordingly.

    • The shipment may be held until full payment for the adjusted difference is received.

    • Customers will be notified and contacted to resolve such differences promptly.


6. Transit Times

  • All transit times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.

  • Transit time starts from the date the shipment is dispatched, not the booking date.

  • While we may often deliver faster than quoted, delays may occur due to customs inspections, weather, carrier backlogs, holidays, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Routely is not liable for delays caused by Carriers or external conditions.


7. Payment Terms

  • The Customer is liable for all shipment-related charges, including freight, customs, handling, warehousing, insurance, duties, taxes, penalties, and associated legal or administrative fees.

  • Routely may apply convenience fees for payments made via card or electronic payment channels.

  • Routely reserves the right to:

    • Amend pricing in cases of inaccurate information provided at booking e.g change of address as required for adjustment by the carrier.

    • Re-invoice (or deduct from user wallet) for additional services or carrier adjustments.

  • All invoices are payable upon issuance unless otherwise agreed.

  • Disputes on invoiced charges must be raised in writing within 30 business days. After this period, charges will be considered final and payable in full.

  • Partner carriers may require Routely to apply certain surcharges before booking, after booking, or during transit or after delivery, without prior notice, like fuel surcharges, change of address, extra charges on multiple attempted failed delivery, unpaid customs duties by receiver or on shipments that are considered irregularly shaped or non-conveyable. These irregularly shaped or non-conveyable shipments are often categorized by:

    • Shape and Structure

      • Irregular Shapes: Items that are not cuboid/rectangular, such as cylinders, rolls, tubes, tyres, drums, or, in some cases, spheres.

        Unstable/Rolling Items: Items that are likely to roll off or around on a conveyor belt (e.g., pipes, tubes, round objects).

      • Protruding Parts: Items with parts sticking out that could snag on machinery.

      • Unstable Center of Gravity: Items where the weight is not evenly distributed, such as barbells or furniture.

        Lack of Flat Surface: Items that do not have a flat, stable surface for transport. 

    • Size and Dimension

      • Overlength: Packages exceeding certain lengths, often >120cm–140cm (depending on the courier)

      • Oversize: Dimensions (length, width, or height) exceeding limits, often >70cm or >76cm, or a total length + girth >165 inches.

      • Under-sized (Small/Thin): Items with a thickness less than 10mm–20mm (e.g., posters, flat promotional items) because they cannot be read by automated scanners and may get lost or stuck. 

    • Weight

      • Overweight: Items that exceed the maximum weight for automated handling, commonly exceeding 31kgs–45kgs (e.g., heavy industrial parts or large furniture).

    • Packaging Materials

      • Non-Cardboard Exterior: Items in wooden boxes, plastic, metal containers, or bags that can snag or damage the belt.

      • External Banding/Strapping: Parcels with loose strapping, banded together, or wrapped in protective films (shrink-wrap/bubble wrap) that can catch on conveyor mechanisms.

      • Unboxed/Fragile Items: Goods not in a sturdy, protective box (e.g., items in styrofoam/tempex). 

                Typical Examples of Irregular/Non-Conveyable Items:

      1. Tyres
      2. Rolls and tubes (e.g for artworks)
      3. Furniture/Appliances
      4. Bicycles
      5. Metal or wooden crates
      6. Loose luggage 



8. Shipment Protection & Limitation of Liability

  • Routely is not the carrier and does not assume any liability for loss, delay, or damage unless:

    • Shipment Protection was purchased at the time of booking.

    • All required documentation (photos, item list, declared values) was submitted at the time of booking.

  • Without Shipment Protection, liability is strictly limited to the amount recoverable under the relevant Carrier’s terms.

  • Routely will assist in claims processing but is not responsible for the outcome or the amount paid.

  • Claim processing may take 15 to 60 business days depending on the carrier and the complexity of the case


9. Prohibited Items and Compliance

Customers must ensure that shipments do not include items restricted or prohibited by:

  • Nigerian Customs regulations,

  • The laws of the destination country,

  • Applicable air or sea freight rules,

  • Specific carrier or logistics partner restrictions.

Failure to comply may result in delays, confiscation, fines, or criminal prosecution. The Customer assumes full liability in such cases and agrees to indemnify Routely against any resulting loss or damage. For the most up-to-date list of prohibited or restricted items, customers are advised to check the official customs or trade authority websites of their origin and destination countries. Below are quick links to some of the most frequently shipped-to countries:

Note: Routely may have this list updated periodically; however, this does not replace the official guidance from each country’s customs authority.



10. Delivery & Recipient Responsibilities

  • The recipient must be available at the provided address on the estimated delivery day. If the delivery location is deemed unsafe or inaccessible by the Carrier (e.g., risk of theft or no one available to receive), delivery may be withheld or rescheduled at the Carrier’s discretion.

  • Carriers may attempt redelivery once or twice, depending on service area policy. If delivery still fails, the shipment may be returned to sender, and the Customer (shipper) agrees to bear the full cost of re-attempted delivery, return logistics, handling, and storage if applicable, amounting to not only paying for sending the said package, but also paying for it's return where the need arise.

  • Customs Duties are assessed by the destination country’s customs authorities. Unless the shipper has explicitly opted to cover these charges, the recipient is responsible for payment of all duties, tariffs, and taxes.

  • If a recipient refuses delivery due to unpaid customs duties or other charges, delivery is deemed to have failed and the shipment may be returned at the shipper’s cost, amounting to not only paying for sending the said package, but also paying for it's return where the need arise.

  • Customers are advised to:

    • Notify recipients in advance of incoming shipments,

    • Ensure recipients respond promptly to delivery or customs notifications,

    • Provide all clearance documents or identification required for import,

    • Clearly communicate if the sender is absorbing customs costs during booking.

  • Routely shall not be liable for any delays, returns, or losses caused by a recipient’s failure to accept delivery, pay customs, or comply with import requirements.


11. Force Majeure

Routely shall not be liable for failure to fulfill its obligations due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to:

  • Acts of God,

  • War, terrorism, political unrest,

  • Port or airport shutdowns,

  • Natural disasters,

  • System failures or carrier strikes.


12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Lagos State.


Other Shipping Terms - Air & Sea Cargo/Freight

By engaging Routely System Limited for any air or sea freight shipment, whether booked manually or online via www.routely.co, the Customer agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. No agent or employee of either party may modify or waive any part of these Terms and Conditions. These Terms apply to all cargo shipments arranged by and through Routely System Limited (“Routely”). Routely reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time.

1. Rates, Charges & Transit Times

  1. All rates are subject to change without prior notice. The applicable rate at the time of shipment will apply, regardless of any rate quoted during initial enquiries.
  2. A standard handling fee applies per shipment may apply for Sea cargo.
  3. Additional charges may be incurred for services, including but not limited to packaging, customs processing, port handling, warehousing, and special cargo handling.
  4. Air & Sea freight charges are based on the greater of actual weight (in kg/tonnage) or volumetric (dimensional) weight (sometimes measured in CBM for Sea Cargo– cubic meters). Oversized or irregularly shaped cargo may attract additional fees and extended transit time.
  5. All transit times are estimates only, based on ship-out days, and exclude the day of pallet or container loading/stuffing, customs clearance delays at export or import, and port congestion. Consequently, pickup and delivery dates are not guaranteed, as shipments via Cargo Routes are moved, cleared, and processed in groups alongside other packages, unlike packages shipped via Express Shipping Routes, which are processed individually. For time-bound and perishable shipments, it is recommended to use the Express Shipping Routes, as Routely will not be liable for unexpected delays at ship-out due to partner delays, government authority inspections, clearance, port, or expected load volume delays. Exact arrival timelines are determined by airlines and carriers; hence, Routely is not liable for delays in shipping timelines or spoilt/rotten items resulting from such delays. All shipments are subject to customs checks in Nigeria and the destination country, and Routely is not liable for removal of items deemed unfit to leave or enter the destination country by customs (IITA) or for opened boxes.

2. Hazardous Materials & Contraband

  1. The Customer and Routely must comply with all applicable international laws relating to the transport of hazardous materials and contraband.
  2. The Customer must inform Routely immediately if any shipment includes hazardous goods or prohibited items.
  3. The Customer assumes full liability for any penalties, fines, legal actions, or costs (including attorney fees) arising from failure to disclose or misdeclaration of such items.

3. Payment Terms

  1. The Customer is liable for all charges related to the shipment, including but not limited to: freight charges, customs duties, port fees, courier pick-up, delivery, storage, demurrage, taxes, penalties, and Routely’s legal costs related to the shipment or any associated dispute on unauthorized shipments.
  2. Routely may apply convenience fees for payments made by credit card or other electronic means.
  3. Routely reserves the right to adjust or re-invoice the Customer if:
  4. Incorrect shipment information was provided at the time of quotation.
  5. Additional services were required or requested to complete the shipment.
  6. For pre-paid shipments, the Customer authorizes Routely to debit any applicable adjustments or charges directly from the provided payment method or their Routely wallet.
  7. Customers have 30 business days from the invoice date to raise any billing disputes. After that period, charges are deemed accepted and payable in full.

4. Limitations of Liability and Claims

(a) Nature of Service
Routely System Limited is simply a shipping platform in partnership with freight forwarders/ brokers, airlines, vessel operators, haulage companies etc and therefore does not operate cargo shipping or vessels or act as a direct carrier. With Routely, you can arrange transport through licensed ocean freight carriers and logistics partners. Routely does not provide transportation itself and does not offer or manage insurance coverage; we have partners for Shipment Protection. If insurance is required, it must be purchased separately by the Customer through the carrier or add Shipment Protection while booking on www.routely.co or any external provider. Liability and coverage limits are governed by the selected carrier’s ocean freight terms and conditions and may be subject to international maritime conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules or Hamburg Rules).

(b) Claims Process
Routely may assist in the facilitation of claims with the Insurance Partners but bears no responsibility for the outcome, approval, or denial of such claims.
Any damage or loss visible at delivery must be noted on the packing list or bill of lading or delivery receipt.
Concealed loss or damage must be reported within 5 days of delivery. Claims do not release the Customer from the obligation to pay freight charges. Carriers and partners may reject claims if invoices are unpaid.

(c) Exclusions of Liability
Routely will not be responsible for executing special instructions on behalf of a shipper unless confirmed in writing and agreed upon in advance. Routely is not liable for:
  1. Delays, losses, or damages caused by third-party carriers, port authorities, customs, or the Customer.
  2. Losses resulting from incorrect labelling, packaging, or documentation provided by the Customer.
  3. Events outside of Routely’s control, including:
  4. Natural disasters
  5. Acts of God
  6. Vessel breakdown or rerouting
  7. Political unrest, strikes, and port congestion
  8. Regulatory delays or acts of public authorities/government authorities (including customs, government agencies etc) 

Acceptance of All Terms

By submitting a shipment through Routely’s platform, the Customer confirms that they:

  • Have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions;

  • Are authorised to make decisions on behalf of the sender or recipient;

  • Acknowledge full responsibility for all shipment contents, declarations, and payments.

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