Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: March 16, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Overseas Shipping Inc. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website (overseasshippinginc.com) and the services we provide.

By accessing our website, requesting quotes, or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

2. Services Provided

Overseas Shipping Inc. is a Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) providing:

Container shipping (20ft and 40ft containers)
Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) vehicle shipping
Auto auction vehicle export services
U.S. Customs documentation and AES filing
Warehouse and vehicle storage services
Door-to-port transportation coordination

Service destinations include West Africa, North Africa, and Middle East countries as specified on our website.

3. Booking and Quotes

3.1 Quote Requests:

Quotes provided are estimates based on information you provide
Final pricing may vary based on actual vehicle dimensions, weight, and destination requirements
Quotes are valid for 7 days unless otherwise specified
Additional fees may apply for special handling, oversized vehicles, or expedited services

3.2 Booking Confirmation:

A booking is confirmed only when we receive your signed booking agreement and deposit
Deposit requirements: Typically 50% of total shipping cost
Balance payment due: Before vessel departure or as specified in booking agreement
We reserve the right to refuse service to any customer

3.3 Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made 7+ days before scheduled pickup: Full refund minus $100 processing fee
Cancellations made 3-6 days before pickup: 50% refund
Cancellations made less than 3 days before pickup: No refund
If vehicle is already at our warehouse: Storage fees apply

4. Customer Responsibilities

4.1 Vehicle Preparation:

Provide accurate vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN, dimensions, weight)
Ensure vehicle is clean and free of personal items (RORO shipments)
Provide all required documents (original title, identification, power of attorney if applicable)
Ensure vehicle is in running condition (for RORO) or disclose non-running status

4.2 Documentation:

Provide original, properly signed vehicle title
Ensure title has no liens or provide lien release
Provide valid identification
Complete all required forms accurately and promptly
Authorize us to file AES on your behalf

4.3 Communication:

Maintain active phone and email contact
Respond promptly to requests for information or documents
Notify us immediately of any changes to contact information or shipping plans
Review and approve all shipping documentation before vessel departure

4.4 Payment:

Pay all fees on time as specified in booking agreement
Provide payment via accepted methods (wire transfer, credit card, certified check)
Pay any additional fees that arise (storage, demurrage, detention, customs fees)

5. Company Responsibilities

5.1 Professional Service:

Handle your vehicle with reasonable care
Provide professional container loading services
Secure vehicles properly using appropriate strapping and blocking
File AES and obtain ITN numbers as required
Coordinate with shipping lines for vessel bookings
Provide bill of lading and shipping documents
Maintain FMC compliance

5.2 Communication:

Provide updates on shipment status
Notify you of vessel departure and estimated arrival
Respond to inquiries during business hours
Provide tracking information when available

6. Limitations of Liability

6.1 Damage and Loss:

We are liable only for loss or damage caused by our negligence
Maximum liability is limited to $500 per vehicle unless additional cargo insurance is purchased
We are NOT liable for pre-existing damage, damage during ocean transit, delays caused by customs or force majeure, or loss of personal items left in vehicles

6.2 Insurance:

We strongly recommend purchasing cargo insurance for your shipment
We can assist in obtaining insurance quotes from third-party insurers
Insurance is the customer's responsibility and separate from our services

6.3 Delays:

Sailing schedules are estimates provided by shipping lines
We are not liable for delays caused by shipping line schedule changes, port congestion, weather, labor strikes, customs inspections, or force majeure events

7. Payment Terms

7.1 Accepted Payment Methods:

Wire transfer (preferred)
Credit card (3% processing fee applies)
Certified check or money order
Company check (with 7-day clearance period)

7.2 Payment Schedule:

Deposit due: Upon booking confirmation
Balance due: Before vessel departure
Late payment fee: 1.5% per month on overdue balances
Collection costs: Customer responsible for all collection costs including attorney fees

7.3 Storage Fees:

Free storage: 7 days after vehicle delivery to our warehouse
Storage fee after 7 days: $15 per day per vehicle
Long-term storage: Contact us for monthly rates

8. Customs and Export Compliance

8.1 U.S. Export Requirements:

All shipments must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations
AES filing required for vehicles valued over $2,500
Customer authorizes us to file AES and act as U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) agent
Customer warrants that vehicle is legally owned and eligible for export

8.2 Destination Country Requirements:

Customer is responsible for understanding and complying with destination country import laws
We can provide general guidance but are not responsible for destination customs clearance
Customer responsible for all destination country duties, taxes, and fees

8.3 Prohibited Items:

Firearms, ammunition, explosives
Illegal drugs or controlled substances
Hazardous materials
Live animals
Perishable goods
Cash or monetary instruments over $10,000

9. SMS Text Messaging Terms

9.1 SMS Program Description:

If you opt in to receive SMS text messages from Overseas Shipping Inc., we will send you shipment status updates, quote confirmations, booking reminders, sailing schedule notifications, document request reminders, payment due reminders, and promotional offers (if you consent to marketing messages).

9.2 Consent and Opt-In:

By providing your mobile phone number and checking the SMS opt-in box, you consent to receive automated text messages
Consent is not a condition of purchasing our services
You can still use our services without opting in to SMS

9.3 Message Frequency:

Transactional messages (shipment updates): Varies based on shipment status, typically 5–10 messages per shipment
Marketing messages: Maximum 4 messages per month

9.4 Opt-Out Instructions:

Reply STOP to any message to unsubscribe
You will receive one confirmation message after opting out
You can opt back in by texting START or re-submitting opt-in on our website
You can also contact us at (703) 348-9916 or guss@overseasshippinginc.com

9.5 Help and Support:

Reply HELP to any message for assistance
Phone: (703) 348-9916
Email: guss@overseasshippinginc.com
Website: overseasshippinginc.com/contact

9.6 Message and Data Rates:

Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan. We do not charge for SMS messages, but carrier charges may apply.

9.7 Supported Carriers:

Major carriers supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, and others. Message delivery depends on carrier network availability.

9.8 SMS Privacy:

Your mobile phone number will NOT be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. We use RingCentral as our SMS service provider solely to deliver messages on our behalf. For full privacy details, see our Privacy Policy at: overseasshippinginc.com/privacy-policy

10. Intellectual Property

All content on our website (text, images, logos, design) is owned by Overseas Shipping Inc. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute our content without written permission. You may access our website for personal, non-commercial use only.

11. Privacy and Data Protection

Your personal information is handled according to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

We collect personal information to provide shipping services
We do NOT sell your personal information
Your phone number and SMS consent are NOT shared with third parties or affiliates
Full details: overseasshippinginc.com/privacy-policy

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law:

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, USA. Federal Maritime Commission regulations apply to our ocean freight services.

12.2 Arbitration:

Any disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Baltimore, Maryland
Arbitration conducted under American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules
Class action lawsuits are prohibited

12.3 Time Limit for Claims:

Claims must be filed within 9 months of the delivery date or scheduled delivery date. Claims filed after 9 months are barred.

13. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, government actions, labor strikes, port closures, pandemic events, or acts of God.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any signed booking agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Overseas Shipping Inc. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.

16. Contact Information

Overseas Shipping Inc.
7020 Quad Ave, Rosedale, MD 21237
Phone: (703) 348-9916
Email: guss@overseasshippinginc.com
Website: overseasshippinginc.com/contact
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
FMC License: 023903NF

Acknowledgment: By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy.

For SMS specifically: By opting in to receive SMS messages, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the SMS Terms in Section 9 above.