Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of CargoGenix (the "Platform"), an online marketplace operated by CargoGenix, Inc. ("CargoGenix," "we," "our," or "us") that connects shippers with verified air cargo carriers. By creating an account, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. Eligibility & Account Registration

You must be at least 18 years old and authorized to enter binding contracts on behalf of the entity you represent. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to keep it updated. You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account.

2. Platform Role

CargoGenix is a marketplace and technology provider. We are not a freight forwarder, carrier, customs broker, or party to any shipping contract between shippers and carriers. The contract for transportation services is solely between the shipper and the carrier.

3. Shipper Responsibilities

• Accurately describe cargo, including weight, dimensions, declared value, commodity type, and any dangerous-goods classification.
• Provide all required shipping documents and ensure compliance with origin- and destination-country regulations.
• Pay all amounts due, including the bid amount and platform fees, through the Platform.
• Confirm delivery (or dispute it) within the inspection window after the carrier marks delivery.

4. Carrier Responsibilities

• Maintain valid licenses, insurance, and any certifications required to transport the cargo offered.
• Provide accurate bid pricing and timeline commitments.
• Pick up, transport, and deliver cargo as agreed; provide proof of delivery (POD).
• Comply with all applicable export, import, customs, and aviation regulations.

5. On-Platform Communication and Payments — STRICTLY ENFORCED

All communication and all payments related to a shipment posted on CargoGenix must occur on CargoGenix.

You agree that you will not, directly or indirectly:

• Share or solicit phone numbers, email addresses, off-platform messaging app handles (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc.), or any other off-platform contact information through the Platform's messaging features;
• Solicit, accept, or arrange payment for any shipment outside the Platform's escrow system, including but not limited to wire transfer, ACH, cash, Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, PayPal, or cryptocurrency;
• Circumvent, disable, or attempt to circumvent the Platform's fee structure, identity-verification, or messaging filters; or
• Use information obtained through the Platform to contact a counterparty outside the Platform for the purpose of arranging a shipment that originated on, or could otherwise be conducted on, CargoGenix.

Violations may result in immediate account suspension or termination, forfeiture of pending bids, withholding of escrow payments, and a chargeback equal to the platform fees that would have been earned. We reserve all rights to recover damages and pursue any other remedies available at law.

6. Fees

CargoGenix charges a platform fee on each completed shipment, currently set at 5% of the bid amount payable by the shipper and 3% of the bid amount payable by the carrier (deducted from the carrier's payout). Subscription plans may modify these fees per the plan's terms. Stripe processing fees are passed through. Fee schedules may change with prior notice.

7. Escrow & Payouts

When a shipper accepts a bid and pays, funds are held in escrow via our payments partner Stripe. Funds are released to the carrier only after the shipper confirms delivery, or automatically after the inspection window closes without a dispute (currently 24 hours after carrier marks delivery, subject to change). Disputed funds are held until the dispute is resolved.

8. Subscriptions

Paid subscription plans renew automatically until canceled. You may cancel at any time from your subscription settings; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period unless you select immediate cancellation. Trial periods, if offered, convert to paid subscriptions automatically at trial end unless canceled prior. Subscription fees are non-refundable except as required by law or as expressly provided in our Refund Policy.

9. Cancellations & Disputes

A shipper may cancel a shipment before a carrier is awarded without penalty. After award and payment, cancellations are subject to the cancellation policy in effect for the shipment. Disputes regarding cargo condition, delivery, or charges must be initiated through the Platform within the inspection window.

10. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Ship contraband, weapons, explosives, narcotics, or any cargo prohibited by law or by the applicable carrier;
• Misrepresent cargo to evade fees, customs duties, or hazardous-goods rules;
• Submit fraudulent bids, ratings, or reviews;
• Reverse engineer, scrape, or attempt unauthorized access to the Platform;
• Use the Platform in any manner that violates law or regulation.

11. Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for breach of these Terms, for fraud, for non-payment, or as necessary to protect the Platform or other users. Upon termination, escrowed funds will be disbursed in accordance with the Refund Policy and applicable law.

12. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not warrant the conduct, qualifications, or compliance of any user. Carrier ratings and verification status are informational and do not constitute endorsement.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, CargoGenix's total liability arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall not exceed the greater of (a) the platform fees we collected from you in the twelve months preceding the claim or (b) one hundred U.S. dollars ($100). We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss or damage to cargo (which is the responsibility of the carrier and any insurance policies in effect).

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold CargoGenix harmless from any claim, damage, liability, or expense (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.

15. Governing Law & Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles. Any dispute will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Delaware, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.

16. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be announced via email or in-app notice. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

17. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at legal@cargogenix.com.