Terms of carriage
These terms apply to every booking made with Swiftline Courier by phone, online, email or WhatsApp. Swiftline Courier is a trading name of 1st Unicorn Distribution Ltd (Company number 14674599), registered office 31c Crowcroft Road, Manchester, M12 4DF. They are a plain-English summary of our standard conditions and should be reviewed by your solicitor before you rely on them commercially.
1. The contract
A booking is accepted when we confirm a job reference. The price confirmed at booking is fixed unless the collection or delivery details change, waiting time exceeds the included allowance, or chargeable extras are used.
2. What we carry
General goods, documents, parts and palletised freight. Non-refrigerated medical, pharmacy and pathology items are carried as standard, including UN3373 Category B samples packaged by the sender to P650. Controlled drugs are carried only as the dispensing pharmacy's agent with their documentation and a signed handover at both ends. Temperature-controlled items are carried only when agreed in writing before collection. We do not carry livestock, Category A infectious substances, clinical waste, medical gases, radioactive material, other hazardous goods requiring ADR, cash above £500, firearms or anything illegal to possess or transport. Tell us about fragile, perishable or high-value goods when booking.
3. Packing
Goods must be packed adequately for road transport. We may refuse goods that are unsafe to carry or inadequately packed, and the booking will be chargeable.
4. Collection and delivery
We give estimated collection and delivery times in good faith. We are not liable for delay caused by traffic, weather, road closures, or incorrect address details, but we will tell you as soon as we know of a delay.
5. Liability
Our liability for loss or damage to goods is limited to the lower of their replacement value or £10,000 per consignment under our goods in transit insurance, unless higher cover is arranged in writing before collection. Claims must be notified within 7 days of delivery.
6. Waiting time
30 minutes is included at each address. Further waiting is charged at the published rate.
7. Cancellation
Cancellation before a driver is dispatched is free. After dispatch, 50% of the job price is payable. After collection, the full price is payable.
8. Payment
Card payments are taken at booking. Account customers are invoiced monthly on 30-day terms. Late payment is subject to statutory interest.
9. Partner drivers
Some jobs are carried by vetted self-employed partner drivers operating under our brand and procedures. Your contract remains with Swiftline Courier, and our insurance and these terms continue to apply.
10. Law
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales.