Transportation Agreement Template for Switzerland

A Transportation Agreement sets out the terms for moving goods between locations in Switzerland, establishing clear rights and obligations between carriers and shippers. It covers essential details like pickup locations, delivery schedules, liability limits under Swiss transport law, and specific handling requirements for cargo.

Swiss logistics companies rely on these agreements to protect both parties, especially when dealing with valuable or sensitive freight. The contract must align with federal transport regulations and cantonal requirements, while spelling out key provisions for insurance coverage, damage claims, and payment terms. Most agreements also include specific protocols for cross-border shipments through neighboring EU countries.

Use a Transportation Agreement when moving high-value goods, hazardous materials, or time-sensitive cargo across Swiss regions or into neighboring countries. This contract becomes essential for shipments requiring special handling, temperature control, or precise delivery timing���especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, precision manufacturing, and food distribution.

The agreement proves particularly valuable when coordinating complex logistics chains involving multiple carriers or cross-border transport. Swiss companies need it to comply with federal transport regulations, protect against liability claims, and ensure clear documentation for customs clearance. Having this agreement in place before any disputes arise saves significant time and resources.

• Carrier Shipper Agreement: Basic contract between transport companies and goods owners, ideal for direct point-to-point deliveries
• Contract Carrier Agreement: More detailed version for ongoing transport relationships, including performance metrics and volume commitments
• Truck Transportation Agreement: Specific to road transport, addressing Swiss road regulations and cantonal requirements
• Freight Forwarder Carrier Agreement: For logistics companies managing multiple carriers and complex routes
• Freight Forwarder Agency Agreement: Covers agency relationships in coordinating international shipments and customs clearance

• Transport Companies: Swiss carriers and logistics providers who execute the actual movement of goods, from small local haulers to major international firms
• Manufacturing Companies: Businesses needing regular shipment of products, raw materials, or equipment across Switzerland and into EU markets
• Legal Departments: In-house counsel and external law firms who draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Swiss transport regulations
• Freight Forwarders: Logistics coordinators who manage complex shipping arrangements and customs requirements
• Insurance Providers: Companies offering cargo and liability coverage, who review agreements to assess risk exposure

• Basic Details: Gather complete business information for all parties, including VAT numbers and authorized signatories
• Service Scope: Define exact pickup/delivery locations, cargo types, volumes, and special handling requirements
• Route Planning: Map out transport routes, including any cross-border points and required customs documentation
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential liability issues and insurance requirements under Swiss transport law
• Compliance Check: Review cantonal regulations and EU transport rules for cross-border shipments
• Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound agreement that includes all mandatory elements and minimizes drafting errors

• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of carrier and shipper under Swiss law
• Service Description: Detailed scope of transport services, including routes, schedules, and handling requirements
• Liability Terms: Clear allocation of risks and responsibilities aligned with Swiss transport regulations
• Insurance Coverage: Minimum required insurance levels and specific coverage types for cargo protection
• Payment Terms: Pricing structure, payment schedule, and currency specifications
• Dispute Resolution: Swiss jurisdiction clause and agreed mediation procedures
• Force Majeure: Specific conditions for service interruption under Swiss law
• Data Protection: GDPR-compliant data handling provisions for cross-border operations

People often confuse a Transportation Agreement with a Contractor Agreement. While both involve service provision, they serve distinctly different purposes in Swiss business law. A Transportation Agreement specifically governs the movement of goods, while a Contractor Agreement covers general service provision, including potentially transport-related work.

• Scope of Services: Transportation Agreements focus exclusively on cargo movement, delivery terms, and logistics specifics. Contractor Agreements cover broader service relationships and may include various business activities.
• Liability Framework: Transportation Agreements align with specific Swiss transport regulations and international shipping conventions. Contractor Agreements follow general Swiss contract law.
• Insurance Requirements: Transportation Agreements mandate specific cargo and transit insurance. Contractor Agreements typically require general liability coverage.
• Performance Metrics: Transportation Agreements emphasize delivery times and handling standards. Contractor Agreements focus on broader service quality and project completion criteria.