Last updated: October 17, 2025
These General Transport Conditions ("Conditions") apply to all transport services provided by RDBS Transport & Logistics ("RDBS", "Carrier", "we", "our") to clients ("Client", "Sender", "you"). These Conditions supplement our Terms of Service and form an integral part of every transport contract.
These Conditions apply to:
International road transport is governed by the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR Convention), dated May 19, 1956, as amended by the Protocol of July 5, 1978.
Domestic transport within Belgium is governed by Belgian law, including the Belgian Commercial Code and relevant transport regulations.
In case of conflict between these Conditions and applicable conventions or mandatory law, the conventions and mandatory law shall prevail.
A transport contract is formed when:
Verbal agreements are not binding until confirmed in writing.
For international transport, a CMR consignment note must be prepared by the sender. The CMR must include accurate information about the goods, sender, consignee, and delivery location. The sender is responsible for the accuracy of information provided on the CMR.
RDBS is entitled to refuse transport if the CMR is incomplete, incorrect, or missing required information.
The sender must provide:
The sender is responsible for:
RDBS is not liable for damage resulting from inadequate packaging.
Transport of dangerous goods (ADR) requires prior written agreement, proper classification, documentation, and packaging according to ADR regulations. The sender must provide all required safety data sheets and emergency contact information.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, loading and unloading are the responsibility of the sender and consignee respectively. If RDBS assists with loading or unloading, this is done as a courtesy and does not transfer responsibility.
Standard loading/unloading time allowances:
Waiting time beyond these allowances will be charged at €50 per hour or part thereof.
The sender and consignee must ensure that loading and unloading locations are accessible for the assigned vehicle. Additional charges apply if the vehicle cannot access the location and alternative arrangements are required.
Estimated delivery times are indicative and not guaranteed unless expressly agreed in writing as "guaranteed delivery time". RDBS will make reasonable efforts to meet estimated delivery times but is not liable for delays except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
RDBS has the right to determine the most appropriate route, means of transport, and whether to use subcontractors, unless the client specifies and pays for a direct route.
If delivery cannot be completed due to:
RDBS will attempt to contact the sender and consignee. Storage charges and redelivery costs will be charged to the client. After 7 days, goods may be sold or disposed of to recover costs.
Upon delivery, the consignee must sign the delivery receipt (CMR or delivery note). The signature constitutes prima facie evidence that the goods were delivered in apparent good condition. Any visible damage or shortage must be noted on the delivery receipt at the time of delivery.
Electronic proof of delivery (e-POD) including digital signatures and photographs may be used and have the same legal effect as written signatures.
RDBS is liable for total or partial loss of goods and damage occurring between taking charge of the goods and delivery, unless the loss or damage was caused by:
⚠️ Important - CMR Liability Limits
Under the CMR Convention, carrier liability is limited to:
RDBS is not liable for loss or damage caused by:
RDBS is not liable for indirect or consequential damages including loss of profit, loss of market, loss of use, or other economic losses, except in cases of willful misconduct.
The sender may declare a higher value for the goods on the CMR. In such cases, the declared value replaces the CMR limitation. An additional charge applies for increased liability based on the declared value.
For high-value goods, the sender is strongly advised to arrange separate cargo insurance. RDBS can assist with insurance arrangements through our partner insurers. Insurance costs are borne by the client unless otherwise agreed.
To preserve the right to claim:
Claims must include:
All claims must be submitted in writing within one year from the date of delivery or from the date when the goods should have been delivered (CMR Article 32). Claims not submitted within this period are time-barred.
RDBS will acknowledge receipt of claims within 14 days and aims to resolve claims within 30 days. Complex claims may take longer to investigate and settle.
RDBS has a right of lien over the goods for all outstanding charges, including transport fees, storage, and any additional costs. Goods may be retained until full payment is received. If payment is not received within 30 days, RDBS may sell the goods to recover costs.
Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due within 30 days of invoice date. Payment terms may be modified for new clients or high-value shipments.
Late payments incur:
Disputes regarding invoices must be raised in writing within 8 days of invoice date. Disputes do not suspend payment obligations unless mutually agreed.
RDBS is not liable for non-performance or delays caused by force majeure, including but not limited to:
In force majeure situations, RDBS will notify clients promptly and make reasonable efforts to minimize impact.
RDBS reserves the right to subcontract all or part of the transport to third-party carriers or logistics partners. RDBS remains responsible to the client for proper performance of the contract. Subcontractors are subject to these same conditions.
For international shipments, the sender is responsible for export formalities and the consignee for import formalities. RDBS can assist with customs clearance as an additional service at extra cost.
The client is responsible for all customs duties, taxes, and charges. RDBS is not liable for delays or costs resulting from customs procedures.
The sender has the right to modify the contract by changing the delivery address or consignee, provided written instructions are given before the goods reach the consignee, and such changes are feasible.
If goods cannot be delivered and no instructions are received from the sender within a reasonable time, RDBS may return the goods at the sender's expense or, after proper notice, dispose of the goods and recover costs from the sale proceeds.
Personal data collected during transport operations is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and GDPR requirements. Data may be shared with subcontractors, customs authorities, and other parties necessary for transport execution.
International transport is governed by the CMR Convention. Disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts designated in the CMR.
Domestic transport is governed by Belgian law. All disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Antwerp, Belgium.
If any provision of these Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
RDBS reserves the right to update these Transport Conditions. Updated conditions apply to contracts formed after the update date. Current conditions are always available at www.rdbs-transport.be.
For questions about these Transport Conditions or to report issues during transport:
RDBS Transport & Logistics
Email: info@rdbs-transport.be
Phone: +32 471 79 21
Emergency Line: Available 24/7
Address: Hallebaan 101, 2240 Zandhoven, Belgium
📋 Additional Information
These Transport Conditions should be read together with: