Legislative part

The valet is liable for the loss of the objects to be transported, except in cases of force majeure. He is liable for damage other than that resulting from the inherent vice of the thing or force majeure. Any clause to the contrary inserted in any consignment note, tariff or other document whatsoever, is void.

If, as a result of force majeure, carriage is not effected within the agreed period, there shall be no claim for compensation against the Haulage Contractor on account of delay.

Receipt of the goods transported extinguishes any action against the carrier for damage or partial loss if within three days, not including public holidays, following that of such receipt, the consignee has not notified the carrier, by extrajudicial act or by registered letter, of his reasoned protest. If within the time limit set out above a request is made for an expert appraisal pursuant to Article L. 133-4, this request…

In the event of rejection of the objects transported or presented for transport, or of a dispute of any nature whatsoever, concerning the formation or performance of the contract of carriage, or due to an incident occurring during and in connection with the carriage, the condition of the objects transported or presented for transport and, where necessary, their packaging, weight, nature, etc., shall be verified and ascertained by one or…

Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in the Transport Code, the provisions contained in this chapter shall apply to road, inland waterway and air carriers.

All actions for damage, loss or delay, to which the contract of carriage may give rise against the carrier, shall be barred within one year, without prejudice to cases of fraud or infidelity. All other actions to which this contract may give rise, both against the carrier or the commission agent and against the consignor or the consignee, as well as those arising from the provisions of article 1269 of…

The Haulage Contractor has a lien on the value of the goods which are the subject of his obligation and on the documents relating thereto for all transport claims, even those arising in connection with previous operations, which his principal, the consignor or the consignee remain debtors to him, insofar as the owner of the goods on which the lien is exercised is involved in the said operations. The transport…

Only inexcusable fault on the part of the carrier or freight forwarder is equivalent to wilful misconduct. Deliberate fault is inexcusable if it implies awareness of the probability of damage and reckless acceptance without valid reason. Any clause to the contrary is deemed unwritten.