Terms & Conditions

1. Scope of Agreement & Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions govern all freight transport, direct hotshot runs, flat-deck hauling, site logistics, and dispatch services provided by Hotshot Express (operating as hotshotnow.ca), headquartered in Calgary, Alberta.

By requesting a quote, tendering cargo, signing a Bill of Lading (BOL), or dispatching Hotshot Express to perform freight services across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, or Western Canada, the Customer ("Shipper", "Consignor", or "Payer") agrees to be bound by these terms without limitation.

2. Dispatch Quotes, Rates & Local Minimums

Hotshot Express specializes in direct, dedicated transport. Rates are determined based on mileage, equipment size, urgency, weight, fuel surcharge indices, and special handling requirements.

• Rate Quotations: Rate quotes provided by dispatch or via hotshotnow.ca are valid for 7 days unless specified as immediate spot rates. Final charges are subject to actual cargo dimensions, weights verified upon loading, and unforeseen site delays.
• Calgary Local Minimum Charge: Due to equipment sizing, fuel overhead, and dedicated driver dispatch, a mandatory minimum service charge applies to all local Calgary in-town runs and surrounding municipal deliveries.
• Fuel Surcharge (FSC): Rates are subject to weekly diesel fuel surcharge adjustments based on prevailing Western Canadian commercial fuel averages.
• Cancellation Fees: Orders cancelled after a truck has been dispatched are subject to a standard Deadhead / Order-Not-Used (ONU) fee, plus mileage incurred.

3. Cargo Requirements, Weight & TDG Compliance

The Shipper is solely responsible for accurately declaring the nature, weight, dimensions, and physical characteristics of all freight prior to pickup.

• Accurate Declarations: Misrepresentation of cargo weight, dimensions, or center of gravity that leads to scale fines, axle overloads, or equipment damage will be billed directly to the customer account.
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG): Hazardous materials, chemicals, or regulated products must be declared during booking. The Shipper must provide proper TDG documentation, safety data sheets (SDS), and compliant packaging before load origin.
• Load Securing Materials: While Hotshot Express provides standard transport securing tools (chains, straps, binders, tarps), specialized crating, dunnage, or lifting slings must be supplied or authorized by the customer.

4. Site Access, Safety Certification & Lease Roads

Hotshot Express routinely delivers to active oilfield leases, mine sites, construction projects, and remote facilities throughout Western Canada.

• Site Safety Compliance: Drivers maintain standard safety credentials (H2S Alive, CSTS/CSO, PPE, First Aid). Site-specific orientation requirements taking longer than 30 minutes will be billed under standard waiting time rates.
• Lease & Unpaved Road Conditions: Customers must ensure pickup and delivery locations (including lease roads and access trails) are suitable for heavy transport equipment. Towing fees or recovery costs incurred due to unmaintained, muddy, or impassable customer sites will be charged to the customer.

5. Free Time & Demurrage (Waiting Time Charges)

To maintain direct hotshot availability, fleet schedules require timely loading and unloading at destination:

• Waiting Time Billing: Detention time beyond the initial free allowance will be billed in 15-minute increments at our standard hourly equipment rate until the driver is fully released and documents signed.
• Unattended Locations: If a delivery site is unstaffed or gate access is denied, dispatch will attempt contact immediately. Extended delays or re-delivery attempts will incur additional transport charges.

6. Payment Terms, Credit Accounts & Invoicing

Services are billed according to agreed terms prior to dispatch or under pre-approved corporate credit accounts:

• Standard Accounts: Pre-approved commercial credit accounts operate on Net 30 Days from invoice date. Non-account customers must pay via credit card, EFT, or certified funds prior to cargo release.
• Overdue Balances: Invoices outstanding beyond 30 days are subject to interest charges of 2% per month (24% per annum) plus all legal and collection costs incurred by Hotshot Express.
• Lien Rights: Hotshot Express reserves a general lien on all cargo and documents in its possession for any unpaid freight charges, demurrage, or historical account balances owed by the Shipper.

7. Carrier Liability Limits & Claims Process

Carrier liability for loss, damage, or delay of cargo is governed by the Alberta Traffic Safety Act (Commercial Vehicle Regulation) and standard Canadian Bills of Lading:

• Standard Valuation Limit: Unless a higher cargo value is declared in writing on the Bill of Lading prior to transport and excess valuation premiums are paid, liability is limited to $2.00 per pound ($4.41 per kilogram) computed on the total weight of the damaged or lost item.
• Consequential Loss Exclusion: Hotshot Express is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including plant shutdown penalties, lost profits, rig downtime, or delay penalties.
• Notice of Claim: Cargo damage or shortage must be noted directly on the driver's Proof of Delivery (POD) document at the time of delivery. Formal written claims must be filed with Hotshot Express within 14 days of delivery.

8. Force Majeure & Severe Weather Conditions

Hotshot Express is not responsible for transit delays, route deviations, or failure to perform resulting from acts of God, severe blizzard conditions, highway closures (e.g., Rogers Pass, Coquihalla, Highway 63), severe ice, forest fires, flooding, labor strikes, border delays, or law enforcement road blockades.

9. Governing Law & Legal Contact Desk

This agreement shall be interpreted, enforced, and governed exclusively by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any legal proceedings arising from transport services shall be brought within the judicial district of Calgary, Alberta.