Effective Date: 4/1/2025

1. Overview

Welcome to Arête Logistics. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of our website, services, and any agreements, including but not limited to transportation quotes, contracts, and Bills of Lading (BOLs). By accessing our website, engaging our services, or signing any agreement, you agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree, please refrain from using our services or website.

2. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including logos, text, images, service descriptions, and proprietary materials, is the property of Arête Logistics and protected under intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of our content is strictly prohibited without written consent.

3. Confidentiality

Arête Logistics respects client privacy and ensures the confidentiality of all shipment details, transactions, and sensitive information. We do not disclose such information to third parties unless required by law, authorized by the client, or necessary for service fulfillment (e.g., customs documentation).

4. Services

Arête Logistics provides secure transportation for fine art, luxury goods, and high-value items. Our services include, but are not limited to, private courier delivery, white-glove handling, custom packaging, temporary storage, and inside delivery to a common entry point within a reasonably accessible area. Service availability may vary by location, scheduling, and compliance with legal requirements. All shipments are subject to the terms outlined in the applicable transportation agreement or BOL. Arête Logistics is not responsible for unwrapping or unpacking unless specified in writing at booking and paid for by the client. Note: Our services do not include insurance coverage for artworks. Clients must obtain appropriate insurance coverage prior to transport (see Section 8: Insurance & Liability).

Arête Logistics will provide Clients with a range of days for shuttle pickups and deliveries, confirmed via in-person, email or text at the time of booking. Once a range of service days has been confirmed, Arête Logistics will schedule a specific day for pickup or delivery. Arête Logistics will schedule a four (4)-hour service window 48 hours prior to the confirmed delivery day, and will notify Client of a two (2) to four (4)-hour service window 24-12 hours prior to confirmed service day. While we do our best to accommodate requests for shorter windows, these cannot be guaranteed.

4.1. Quotations & Estimates Subject to Change

Quoted rates and fees given by Arête Logistics to the Client estimates for informational purposes only and may be subject to change without notice. Such changes will appear on the invoice total which will be emailed to Client following service delivery.

4.2. Last-Minute Shipment Policy

Definition
A "Last-Minute Shipment" is defined as any shipment requested with less than seventy-two (72) hours (three calendar days) notice prior to the desired pickup time.

Acceptance Not Guaranteed
Acceptance of last-minute shipments is not guaranteed and is subject to Arête Logistics’ discretion. Approval will depend on route feasibility, driver availability, and operational capacity. While we make every effort to accommodate urgent requests, we reserve the right to decline a shipment based on scheduling conflicts or logistical limitations.

Last-Minute Booking Fee
Last-minute shipments may incur an additional surcharge to reflect the added coordination, route deviation, and time-sensitive nature of the service.

• Standard Last-Minute Fee: 10%-50%, depending on complexity, distance, and scheduling impact

• Additional charges may apply for extended mileage, off-route pickups, overnight stays, or major scheduling accommodations

Route Deviation and Delivery Windows
Last-minute shipments may or may not follow our regular route flow. Clients requesting last-minute service must remain flexible with pickup and delivery windows and understand that transit timelines may be adjusted based on existing route commitments.

Cancellations
Last-minute shipments cancelled within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled pickup may be subject to late cancellation fees in accordance with our Cancellation Policy (see Section 7), to recover lost time and resources.

Exemptions
This policy does not apply to pre-scheduled shipments experiencing minor scheduling adjustments. For all other jobs booked in advance, standard scheduling and cancellation terms apply.

4.3. Rescheduling and Rerouting

If a client requests a change to the agreed-upon pickup or delivery schedule after confirmation, Arête Logistics may, at its discretion, accommodate the request based on availability and route feasibility.

A rescheduling fee may apply if the change requires alterations to Arête Logistics’ planned route, timeline, or itinerary. This fee helps cover additional costs related to fuel, labor, lodging, mileage, or other logistical impacts caused by the change. Because these costs are often not known at the time of rescheduling, applicable fees may be calculated after delivery and added to the final invoice.

Arête Logistics is not obligated to accept rescheduling requests and reserves the right to deny requests that would significantly disrupt existing commitments.

4.4. Prohibited Goods

The following types of goods shall not be deposited, stored, or transported by Arête Logistics under any circumstances: contraband or illegal substances; firearms or ammunition; explosive, chemical, noxious, hazardous, toxic, odoriferous, radioactive, or dangerous goods; livestock; plants; organic or perishable products or any goods likely to encourage vermin or other pests or likely to cause or transmit infectious, contagious, or other disease, or liable to taint or affect other goods. If any such goods are tendered to Arête Logistics, the Client shall be liable for and shall indemnify, defend, and hold Arête Logistics harmless against all loss or damage to other goods or persons. Arête Logistics is at liberty to dispose of any such prohibited goods at any time and place deemed appropriate, with disposal charges billable to the Client.

5. Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and complete information regarding shipment details, including item descriptions, declared values, dimensions, condition, and specific instructions for handling, crating, or delivery. For shipments involving multiple artworks, each item must be individually itemized with a separate declared value, recorded on the BOL at booking. Declared values may not be altered after pickup without Arête Logistics’ written consent. Failure to provide accurate information or sufficient instructions may result in additional fees, service delays, denial of service, or limitation of carrier liability.

• Ensuring that shipments comply with all applicable legal requirements, restrictions, and customs regulations (for international shipments).

• Participating in condition inspections at pickup and delivery, with notes recorded on the BOL. Additional inspection services (e.g., appraisals) are at the client’s expense. Clients must provide documented proof of value (e.g., appraisals, sales records) for insurance claims, as required by their insurer.

• Ensuring proper packing if performed by the client or third parties. Arête Logistics is not liable for loss or damage due to improper packing or insufficient instructions.

• Allowing Arête Logistics to inspect shipments and, if deemed necessary, add packing or wrapping at the client’s expense to ensure safe transport. Clients may refuse additional packing, but this may result in service denial or limited liability.

• Ensuring a shipper, consignee, or authorized agent is present at pickup and delivery locations to oversee loading and unloading. Arête Logistics is not liable for loss or damage at unattended locations.

6. Payments

Deposits

Arête Logistics may require a deposit of up to 50% of the estimated service total prior to pickup or delivery. If the Client is not present to remit payment in person, Arête may defer deposit collection until the time of delivery, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Rates & Payment

Client agrees that all charges shall be paid on time without request or demand by Arête Logistics, and in no event shall be paid later than 30 days after the date of the applicable invoice. Any invoice that remains unpaid more than 30 days after the invoice date will be subject to a late fee of 1.5% per month (18% annual interest), or the highest rate allowable by Colorado law, whichever is lower. This interest will continue to accrue monthly until full payment is received.

Returned Payments

Client shall pay a charge of $50.00 for any dishonored check, whether due to insufficient funds, a closed account, or uncollected funds. Arête Logistics reserves the right to refuse check payments at any time. All wiring and bank fees incurred as part of the invoice settlement process are the responsibility of the Client.

Important Notice About Credit Card Payments:

Credit card and PayPal payments are accepted by request. A 3.5% non-refundable transaction fee will be applied to all invoices paid by credit card or PayPal to cover processing costs. This fee may be waived at Arête’s discretion if alternative payment arrangements (such as check, Venmo, wire, or ACH) are made in advance.

Arête Logistics reserves the right not to schedule collection, delivery, or release until payment for services has been made in full.

7. Cancellation Policy

Once a shipment has been agreed upon by the Client and Arête Logistics, and/or a BOL has been issued for the shipment, if the Client is unable to release or receive items within the confirmed and agreed upon pickup/delivery window, additional charges may apply. Rescheduling or canceling a confirmed job within the following timeframes will incur the following fees:

• Within 72-48 hours of the scheduled arrival window: 50% of the total service fee
• Within 48-24 hours of the scheduled arrival window: 75% of the total service fee
• Within 24-12 hours of the scheduled arrival window or upon arrival: 100% of the total service fee

These fees reflect time already committed to your project, including routing, scheduling, labor, and resource allocation.

Exceptions: Fees may be waived in the event of a documented medical emergency, severe weather, or government-mandated restriction (e.g. road closures, evacuation orders). Clients must provide appropriate evidence (e.g. doctor’s note, weather alerts, or official notices) in order to qualify for an exemption.

8. Insurance & Liability

8.1. Carrier Insurance:

Arête Logistics maintains a Progressive Insurance Policy #994464469 with $1,000,000 general liability coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage, or advertising injury, and $250,000 cargo coverage. Cargo coverage under this policy explicitly excludes artworks, jewelry, precious metals, and similar items. Accordingly, Arête Logistics’ liability for loss or damage to Goods during transit, storage, or handling is strictly limited to $0.60 per pound per item, based on the actual weight of unwrapped goods, and clients are solely responsible for insuring the full value of artworks while in Arête Logistics’ care. Clients may declare a higher value Goods beyond the standard liability of $0.60 per pound per item, subject to applicable fees. Higher declared value options require written declaration on the bill of lading (BOL) or High-Value Inventory Form at the time of booking and may involve additional terms, conditions, and fees. Contact us for higher declared value option details and approval before shipment. Arête Logistics’ liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per item unless a higher value is declared and approved, and clients remain solely responsible for obtaining comprehensive all-risk insurance to cover loss, theft, or damage during transit, storage, or handling.

8.2. Client Insurance Responsibility:

Arête Logistics does not insure Client’s Goods. Arête Logistics is not a licensed insurance broker. Clients are solely responsible for maintaining their own insurance to cover the full value of artworks and other high-value items during transit, storage, and handling. Clients shall name Arête Logistics as an additional insured on their insurance policy for transit-related risks and provide a certificate of insurance upon request. Clients must provide declared values for all Goods at the time of booking, itemized for multiple items, to ensure adequate declared value protection coverage and compliance with sales tax documentation requirements (e.g., nexus verification). If no value is declared, Client shall release Goods with Arête Logistics’ maximum liability for Goods being $0.60 per pound. If the space provided for Declared Value on a bill of lading (BOL), High-Value Inventory Form, services agreement or any other contract with Arête Logistics is left blank, then no value is declared for Goods. Declared values may not be altered after pickup without Arête Logistics’ written consent. Failure to provide a declared value or documented proof of value (e.g., appraisals, sales records) does not increase carrier liability, which remains limited to $0.60 per pound per item. Clients acknowledge that relying solely on Arête Logistics’ cargo policy does not provide sufficient protection for fine art or high-value items. Arête Logistics shall not be held responsible for uninsured or underinsured shipments.

8.3. Inspection and Packing:

Arête Logistics reserves the right to inspect all shipments and, at its sole discretion, determine if additional wrapping or packing is necessary for safe transport. Additional packing services, if performed, will be at the client’s expense. Inspections are limited to surface conditions and apparent damage; Arête Logistics is not responsible for hidden defects or pre-existing conditions. Clients may refuse additional packing, but this may result in service denial or limited liability to $0.60 per pound per item.

8.4. Claims Process:

Clients must inspect artworks at pickup and delivery, with condition notes recorded on the BOL, and report any loss or damage in writing within 7 days of delivery. Arête Logistics reserves the right to inspect claimed goods and materials, which clients must retain in their original condition for inspection. Claims not reported within 7 days are deemed waived. Additional inspection services (e.g., appraisals) are at the client’s expense. Arête Logistics will cooperate with clients’ insurers to facilitate claims but is not liable for artwork losses beyond $0.60 per pound per item due to the cargo policy exclusion. Clients must provide documented proof of value for claims, and Arête Logistics is not responsible for substantiating values or authenticating goods. Any legal action against Arête Logistics for loss or damage must be filed in a competent court in the State of Colorado within 9 months of delivery or notification of loss, whichever is shorter. Clients shall pay Arête Logistics’ reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs if Arête Logistics prevails.

8.5. Service Denial:

Arête Logistics reserves the right to refuse shipments deemed high-risk (e.g., due to inadequate packing, undisclosed values, or condition concerns) at its sole discretion, particularly given the cargo policy’s exclusion of artworks.

Disclaimer Regarding All-Risk Insurance:

At this time, Arête Logistics does not maintain an inland marine transit, all-risk, or wall-to-wall fine art transit insurance policy. Our existing cargo insurance does not cover artworks, jewelry, precious metals, money, etc…, and our liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per item. Clients are solely responsible for obtaining their own comprehensive fine art insurance policy that covers loss, theft, and damage throughout transit, storage, and handling. We strongly advise clients to consult with their insurance providers to ensure adequate protection.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1. General Limitations:

While Arête Logistics takes every precaution to ensure safe transportation, we are not liable for loss or damage to artworks, jewelry, precious metals, or similar items, except as provided in Section 8 ($0.60 per pound per item). Clients are solely responsible for insuring the full value of Artworks and Goods, and Arête Logistics is not liable for damages or loss, whether caused by negligence, wrongful acts, omissions, or otherwise, beyond the $0.60 per pound per item limit. Client accepts and assumes risk of loss of Goods stolen by thieves or hijacking. Arête Logistics is not liable for loss or damage to Artwork or Goods after delivery, or installation, or after departing a delivery or installation site. Arête Logistics is not responsible for consequential damages, lost profits, lost market value, lost utility, or indirect losses arising from service use.

9.2. Client and Third-Party Failures:

Arête Logistics is not liable for loss or damage due to insufficient or incorrect client instructions for handling, crating, or delivery, or improper packing by clients or third parties, including damage to crates or containers constructed by others. This exemption extends to damage occurring inside a shipper’s or consignee’s premises or place of business.

9.3. Delays:

Arête Logistics is not liable for physical damage or losses (direct, indirect, consequential, or otherwise) caused by delivery delays due to conditions beyond our control, including but not limited to extreme weather, acts of nature, vehicle breakdowns, road obstructions, highway closures, civil unrest, or strikes. Arête Logistics is not bound to specific transport means, schedules, or vehicles, only to transport goods with reasonable dispatch.

9.4. Environmental Conditions:

Arête Logistics shall not be liable for loss or damage to goods caused by environmental conditions beyond its control, including but not limited to temperature fluctuations, humidity, condensation, exposure to sunlight, or weather-related impacts during transit or while goods are inside the delivery vehicle. Unless explicitly agreed to in writing, Arête Logistics does not offer climate-controlled transportation. Clients are responsible for advising us in advance if temperature or environmental sensitivity is a concern. Failure to do so may result in service denial or limited liability.

9.5. Unattended Locations & Inside Delivery:

Arête Logistics is not liable for loss or damage when directed to load or unload at locations where the shipper, consignee, or their agents are not present. Arête Logistics is responsible only for inside delivery to a common point of entry and reasonably accessible area. Unwrapping, unpacking, or installation services are not provided unless specified in writing at booking and paid for by the client.

10. Force Majeure:

Neither Arête Logistics nor the client shall be held liable for any delay or failure to perform obligations under this agreement due to events beyond reasonable control. This includes but is not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, governmental actions or regulations, labor strikes, riots, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, pandemics, or extraordinary traffic or weather conditions.

11. Federal Compliance

Arête Logistics is fully compliant with federal regulations as a registered common carrier under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We hold USDOT Number 4384684 and Motor Carrier (MC) Authority Number 01719391, ensuring adherence to safety, operational, and insurance standards for interstate transportation. Additionally, we maintain Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) compliance, as required by the FMCSA, to support lawful and reliable service delivery. Clients may verify our credentials through the FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system or by contacting us directly.

12. Nexus Compliance

Arête Logistics operates as a common carrier and provides accurate delivery documentation (e.g., BOLs) to support clients’ sales tax obligations, including verification of interstate deliveries to avoid nexus in destination states. No storage or layovers are permitted in destination states unless explicitly agreed, to prevent creating sales tax nexus for clients. Clients must provide declared values and accurate shipment details to ensure compliance with tax authorities.

13. Termination

Arête Logistics reserves the right to refuse service, terminate agreements, or cancel shipments at its discretion, including but not limited to cases of policy violations, non-payment, failure to provide accurate shipment information, or misuse of services. Clients may terminate agreements per the terms of the specific contract or BOL, subject to any applicable fees.

14. Governing Law

These Terms, and all agreements governed by them, are subject to the laws of the State of Colorado. Any disputes arising from these Terms or services shall be resolved in the appropriate courts within Colorado. For interstate shipments, federal regulations (e.g., Carmack Amendment) may also apply.

15. Changes to Terms

Arête Logistics reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on our website and included in new contracts and BOLs. Continued use of our services or signing of agreements constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms, to request a Certificate of Insurance, or to verify our FMCSA credentials, please us directly.