FreightBridge Marketplace Terms and Conditions

Version 3.0. Effective 3 September 2026. Replaces Version 2.0 of 29 March 2026. Operated by FreightBridge Pty Ltd, ACN 701 627 296, ABN 52 701 627 296, a company registered in New South Wales ("FreightBridge", "we", "us").

Part 1. About these Terms

1. What these Terms cover

1.1 These Terms govern access to and use of the FreightBridge website, mobile applications and related services (the "Platform") by anyone who visits, registers, posts freight, quotes, books or performs transport through it.

1.2 The Platform connects people and businesses who need freight moved ("Shippers") with independent transport businesses who move it ("Carriers"). Together they are "Users".

1.3 The following Schedules form part of these Terms: Schedule 1 (Fees, Cancellations and Refunds), Schedule 2 (Payments, Holding of Funds and Release), Schedule 3 (Carrier Requirements), Schedule 4 (Prohibited, Restricted and Dangerous Goods) and Schedule 5 (Disputes, Claims and Mediation). The Privacy Policy is a separate document that also applies.

2. Accepting these Terms

2.1 You accept these Terms by ticking the acceptance box when you create an account, and again whenever you post a load, submit a quote or confirm a booking. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

2.2 If you use the Platform for a company, partnership, trust or other organisation, you confirm that you have authority to bind it.

2.3 Order of precedence if documents conflict: (a) a written agreement signed by FreightBridge and you; (b) these Terms; (c) the Schedules; (d) the Privacy Policy; (e) guidance published on the Platform.

3. Changes to these Terms

3.1 We may change these Terms to reflect changes in law, in the Platform or in our business.

3.2 For material changes we will give at least 14 days' notice by email and on the Platform before the change takes effect. You may close your account before the effective date if you do not accept the change. Continuing to use the Platform after the effective date is acceptance.

3.3 A change does not alter the price, fee or cancellation terms of a booking that was confirmed before the change took effect.

3.4 We may introduce new features or services from time to time (for example subscription plans, an API, or additional payment methods). Where a new service needs its own terms we will publish them before you can use it. Nothing in these Terms obliges us to provide any feature that is not currently offered.

Part 2. Definitions

"Booking" means a confirmed engagement of a Carrier by a Shipper for a specific Load, formed under clause 12.

"Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in New South Wales.

"Chargeback" means any reversal of a payment initiated through a card issuer, bank or payment provider, together with any fee the provider charges for it.

"Dangerous Goods" means goods classified as dangerous under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code or applicable legislation.

"Delivered" means the Carrier has marked the Load as delivered on the Platform and uploaded proof of delivery.

"Held Funds" means the amount a Shipper has paid for a Booking that FreightBridge holds, through its payment provider, pending release under Schedule 2.

"Load" means a freight listing posted by a Shipper describing goods to be transported.

"Platform Fee" means the fee FreightBridge deducts from the Carrier's quoted price under Schedule 1.

"Proof of Delivery" or "POD" means the photographs, notes and location data a Carrier captures on the Platform at delivery.

"Quote" means a Carrier's all-inclusive price to perform a Load, submitted through the Platform.

"Transport Contract" means the contract for carriage formed between the Shipper and the Carrier when a Booking is confirmed.

Words in the singular include the plural; "including" means "including without limitation"; dollar amounts are Australian dollars.

Part 3. What FreightBridge is, and is not

4. A marketplace, not a carrier

4.1 FreightBridge operates a technology marketplace and payment facility. We do not own trucks, employ drivers, take possession of goods, or supervise loading, transport or unloading.

4.2 The Transport Contract is between the Shipper and the Carrier. FreightBridge is not a party to it and is not a freight forwarder, broker or bailee.

4.3 We do verify certain things about Carriers (Part 6 and Schedule 3) and we hold and release payment (Schedule 2). We do not guarantee that a Carrier will perform, that goods will arrive undamaged, or that any Load will receive a Quote.

4.4 We may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence, to help with customer support, fraud screening and matching Loads to Carriers' registered fleets. Automated outputs assist people; they do not set prices and do not replace your own judgement. The support assistant on the Platform is automated and says so.

5. Independent relationship

Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment, agency or franchise relationship between FreightBridge and any User, or between a Shipper and a Carrier. Carriers are independent contractors responsible for their own business, staff, tax, superannuation and insurance.

Part 4. Accounts

6. Eligibility

To hold an account you must be at least 18, able to enter binding contracts, and using the Platform for business purposes or your own freight. Carriers must hold an Australian Business Number.

7. Your account

7.1 Keep your registration details accurate and current, including your legal name, contact details and, for Carriers, ABN, vehicle and insurance details.

7.2 Keep your login credentials confidential. You are responsible for activity on your account unless it results from a security failure on our side. Tell us immediately if you suspect unauthorised access.

7.3 One account per person or business unless we agree otherwise. Do not create accounts to evade a suspension.

7.4 You may close your account at any time from Settings, subject to completing open Bookings and paying anything owed. Closure and data deletion are handled as described in the Privacy Policy.

8. Communications

Notices, quotes, booking confirmations, invoices, cancellation and dispute messages sent through the Platform or by email to your registered address are official communications for a Booking. You consent to receiving them electronically. You can adjust non-essential notifications in Settings; notices about money, disputes and safety cannot be switched off.

Part 5. Shippers

9. Posting a Load

9.1 When you post a Load you must describe it accurately and completely: pickup and delivery addresses and access, dimensions, weight, quantity, freight type, packaging, handling needs (for example tailgate or forklift), pickup and delivery dates, and any Dangerous Goods.

9.2 Carriers and FreightBridge rely on this information to quote and to plan. If the goods differ materially from your listing, the Carrier may refuse collection, request a price variation through the Platform, or cancel; you may be liable for costs caused by the difference (Schedule 1).

9.3 You warrant that you own the goods or are authorised to have them transported, that they are lawful, and that they are not Prohibited Goods (Schedule 4).

10. Your obligations for pickup and delivery

10.1 Package, label and secure goods so they can be transported safely under ordinary conditions. A Carrier may refuse goods that are inadequately packaged.

10.2 Have the goods ready at the agreed time and location, with safe access and any equipment or people you said would be available.

10.3 Ensure someone authorised is available to receive the goods where a signature or inspection is needed.

10.4 Inspect the goods on delivery. Note any visible damage or shortage on the Proof of Delivery, take photographs, and open a dispute on the Platform within the window in clause 15. Delay does not remove your legal rights but can affect the evidence.

10.5 Treat drivers with respect and comply with workplace health and safety requirements at your premises.

11. Cargo insurance

FreightBridge does not sell or arrange insurance. You are responsible for deciding whether your goods need cargo insurance and for arranging it. Carriers may display insurance details on their profile; that information is supplied by the Carrier and you should satisfy yourself that it suits your shipment.

Part 6. Carriers

12. Verification before you can quote

12.1 Before a Carrier can submit Quotes we verify their ABN and a government photo ID. Before a Carrier can receive a payout they must complete payment onboarding with our payment provider, which includes bank account and identity checks. Details are in Schedule 3.

12.2 We may ask for updated documents at any time and may pause quoting or payouts until they are provided. You must tell us promptly if your ABN, licences, insurance or business ownership changes.

13. Performing a Booking

13.1 You are not obliged to quote on any Load. Once a Booking is confirmed you must perform it in accordance with the Booking details, these Terms and the law, using suitable, roadworthy and lawfully registered vehicles and licensed, fit-for-duty drivers.

13.2 Communicate promptly through the Platform about delays, incidents, damage or anything else that affects the Booking.

13.3 Comply with your Chain of Responsibility obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and all fatigue, mass, dimension, load restraint and speed requirements. Refuse any instruction that would require a breach. FreightBridge does not audit or certify Carriers' Chain of Responsibility compliance.

13.4 Hold the insurance the law requires and any insurance appropriate to the work you accept. Insurance details you upload will be shown to Shippers, so they must be accurate; never represent that you hold cover you do not hold. See Schedule 3.

13.5 Do not subcontract a Booking to another business without the Shipper's agreement through the Platform. You remain responsible for the performance of anyone you engage.

13.6 Mark each stage (picked up, in transit, delivered) on the Platform as it happens and upload Proof of Delivery at delivery. Knowingly submitting false Proof of Delivery is serious misconduct and grounds for termination.

13.7 Keep Shipper information confidential and use it only to perform the Booking.

Part 7. Quotes and Bookings

14. Quotes

14.1 A Quote is the Carrier's all-inclusive price to perform the Load, including GST, fuel, tolls and any handling the listing calls for, plus any conditions the Carrier attaches (for example detention rates or cancellation terms). The Shipper pays the quoted price; the Platform Fee is deducted from it on the Carrier's side (Schedule 1).

14.2 Carriers set their own prices. FreightBridge does not set, estimate or recommend prices.

14.3 A Quote stays open until the Carrier withdraws it, the Shipper accepts another Quote, or the Load expires or is withdrawn.

15. Booking, payment and the Transport Contract

15.1 When a Shipper accepts a Quote the Load moves to "awaiting payment". The Shipper must pay the quoted amount within 48 hours; if not, the acceptance lapses and the Load returns to the marketplace.

15.2 On successful payment the Booking is confirmed, the Transport Contract is formed on the terms of the listing, the Quote and any conditions attached to it, and each party can see the other's contact details.

15.3 Payment is held as Held Funds and released under Schedule 2.

15.4 Either party may propose a change to price or scope after booking (a "variation"). A variation takes effect only when the other party accepts it on the Platform within the time shown. Additional amounts are paid through the Platform, never directly.

16. Delivery confirmation and release of funds

16.1 When the Carrier marks a Load Delivered and uploads Proof of Delivery, the Shipper is notified and has 48 hours to either confirm delivery or open a dispute.

16.2 If the Shipper does neither within 48 hours, delivery is deemed accepted and Held Funds are released to the Carrier automatically. The Shipper is reminded at delivery and again 24 hours before release.

16.3 Deemed acceptance does not remove any right the Shipper has against the Carrier under the Transport Contract or the Australian Consumer Law; it determines when FreightBridge releases the money it holds.

17. Cancellations

17.1 A Shipper can edit or withdraw a Load at any time before a Booking is confirmed.

17.2 After a Booking is confirmed, either party may request cancellation on the Platform with a reason. The Carrier may propose a cancellation fee; the Shipper may accept, counter, or open a dispute. The Booking is cancelled when both parties agree or when FreightBridge determines the outcome under Schedule 5.

17.3 What is refunded, and who bears payment processing costs, is set out in Schedule 1.

Part 8. Money

18. Fees

18.1 Posting a Load and receiving Quotes is free. FreightBridge charges Carriers a Platform Fee, currently 8% of the quoted price including GST, deducted before payout. The rate is shown on the Platform before you quote and may differ where FreightBridge offers a plan or agreement with a different rate.

18.2 We may change the Platform Fee with 30 days' notice. A change does not affect Bookings confirmed before it takes effect.

18.3 Details of fees, refunds and processing costs are in Schedule 1.

19. Payments, holding and payout

19.1 Payments are processed by Stripe. FreightBridge is the merchant of record for Shipper payments and holds the funds in its Stripe platform balance until release. Carrier payouts are made to the Carrier's connected Stripe account and then to their nominated Australian bank account.

19.2 The rules for holding, releasing, refunding and reversing funds, and for Chargebacks, are in Schedule 2.

19.3 GST: quoted prices and Platform Fees include GST where applicable. FreightBridge issues tax invoices for its fees and, where the Carrier has agreed on the Platform, recipient-created tax invoices for the Carrier's services.

19.4 Each User is responsible for their own tax obligations. FreightBridge does not give tax, legal or financial advice.

Part 9. Disputes

20. Our role

20.1 Disputes about a Booking are between the Shipper and the Carrier. FreightBridge is not a party to the Transport Contract and does not determine legal liability between Users.

20.2 What we do: keep Held Funds on hold while a dispute is open, give both parties a structured way to put their case and evidence, help the parties reach a resolution, and, where they cannot, decide how the Held Funds for that Booking are released (in full to one party or split). That decision is an administrative decision about money we hold, made in good faith on the evidence provided. It is not a legal finding and does not stop either party pursuing the other.

20.3 The process, timeframes and evidence are set out in Schedule 5.

21. Time limits

Open a dispute on the Platform before Held Funds release (48 hours after delivery is marked). You may still lodge a dispute within 14 days after release; FreightBridge will facilitate it, but funds already paid to a Carrier can only be recovered with the Carrier's agreement, through a Chargeback outcome, or as the law allows.

Part 10. Marketplace rules

22. Acceptable use

Use the Platform honestly and lawfully. You must not: provide false information; impersonate anyone; post Loads you do not intend to book; manipulate ratings or reviews; scrape or copy Platform data; interfere with the Platform's security or operation; harass or abuse other Users; or use the Platform to move Prohibited Goods.

23. Keeping transactions on the Platform

23.1 The Platform's protections (verification, held payment, Proof of Delivery, dispute handling) only work when the whole transaction runs through it. Users must not exchange contact details before a Booking in order to deal off-Platform, propose or accept direct payment for a Platform Load, or otherwise arrange to avoid the Platform Fee.

23.2 For 12 months after a Shipper and Carrier are introduced through the Platform, they must not knowingly arrange transport with each other off-Platform to avoid the Platform Fee. This does not restrict relationships that existed before the introduction, and it does not apply to work unrelated to the Platform.

23.3 If we reasonably determine a breach, we may suspend or terminate accounts and recover the Platform Fee that would have applied.

24. Reviews

After a completed Booking each party may rate and review the other. Reviews must be honest, relate to that Booking, and not contain abuse, personal information or confidential details. We may remove reviews that breach these rules or the law.

25. Monitoring

To keep the Platform safe we may monitor activity, messages sent through the Platform and payment patterns, in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

Part 11. Suspension and termination

26. Suspension

26.1 We may suspend an account or a Booking, with notice stating the reason, where we reasonably believe there is fraud, a safety risk, a serious or repeated breach of these Terms, an unresolved Chargeback, or lapsed verification, insurance or licences, or where our payment provider requires it.

26.2 We may act immediately where delay would risk harm to people, goods or money. Otherwise we will give at least 7 days' notice and an opportunity to respond before terminating an account.

26.3 A suspended User may ask for a review in writing within 14 days. We will respond within 10 Business Days.

27. Effect of termination

Open Bookings must be completed or cancelled under Schedule 1. Amounts owed remain payable. Held Funds are dealt with under Schedule 2. Clauses that by their nature continue (payments, confidentiality, privacy, intellectual property, liability, disputes, governing law) survive.

Part 12. Intellectual property and content

28. The Platform

The Platform and its software, design, branding and content are owned by FreightBridge or its licensors. You have a limited, revocable, non-transferable licence to use the Platform for its intended purpose while you hold an account. Do not copy, reverse engineer or resell any part of it.

29. Your content

You own the information, photographs and documents you upload. You grant FreightBridge a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to store, display and process them to operate the Platform, perform Bookings, handle disputes, comply with law and improve the service. You warrant that you have the right to upload them.

Part 13. Privacy

Our collection, use and disclosure of personal information is governed by the FreightBridge Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.

Part 14. Liability

30. Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any guarantee, right or remedy under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) or other law that cannot lawfully be excluded. Where our liability for breach of a non-excludable guarantee can lawfully be limited, it is limited to resupplying the service or paying the cost of resupply.

31. What we are not liable for

31.1 Because FreightBridge does not transport goods, we are not liable for loss of, damage to or delay of goods, for a Carrier's or Shipper's failure to perform, or for any injury or property damage occurring during transport, except to the extent caused by our own negligence or breach of these Terms.

31.2 We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, revenue, business or goodwill, or loss of data, however arising, to the extent the law allows this exclusion.

31.3 We are not liable for outages or errors of third-party services we rely on (payment providers, hosting, telecommunications, mapping) beyond our reasonable control.

32. Cap

To the extent permitted by law, FreightBridge's total liability to a User in connection with a Booking is limited to the Platform Fee received by FreightBridge for that Booking, and for all other matters in any 12-month period to the greater of the Platform Fees received from that User in that period and $500.

33. Your responsibility to us

Each User is responsible for loss FreightBridge suffers to the extent it is caused by that User's breach of these Terms, unlawful conduct, inaccurate Load information, undeclared Dangerous Goods, or a Chargeback attributable to that User, reduced to the extent FreightBridge contributed to the loss.

34. Force majeure

No one is liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond their reasonable control, including natural disaster, fire, flood, pandemic, industrial action, government action, road or network closures, or failure of telecommunications or third-party systems, provided they notify the affected parties promptly.

Part 15. General

35. Notices

Notices to you may be given through the Platform or by email to your registered address, and notices to us by email to support@freightbridge.com.au. A notice is taken to be received when sent unless a delivery failure is received.

36. Assignment

You may not transfer your rights under these Terms without our consent. We may transfer ours to a related company or to a buyer of the business, provided the transferee takes on our obligations.

37. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales and courts hearing appeals from them.

38. Other

A waiver is only effective in writing. If a clause is unenforceable it is read down or severed and the rest continues. These Terms, the Schedules and the Privacy Policy are the entire agreement between you and FreightBridge about the Platform.

39. Contact

FreightBridge Pty Ltd, ACN 701 627 296, ABN 52 701 627 296. Email: support@freightbridge.com.au. Our registered office is recorded on the ASIC register.

Schedule 1. Fees, Cancellations and Refunds

1. Fees

1.1 Posting a Load, receiving Quotes, messaging and tracking are free for Shippers.

1.2 FreightBridge charges Carriers a Platform Fee of 8% of the quoted price (GST inclusive), deducted from the amount released to the Carrier. Example: the Carrier quotes $1,000; the Shipper pays $1,000; the Carrier receives $920.

1.3 The Platform Fee rate is shown on the quote form before a Carrier submits a Quote. Where FreightBridge offers a plan or written agreement with a different rate, that rate applies to Quotes submitted while it is in force.

1.4 There are no booking, amendment, waiting-time or administration fees charged by FreightBridge. Any such charges are a matter for the Carrier's Quote conditions or a variation agreed on the Platform.

1.5 Payment processing costs are borne by FreightBridge except where clause 3 of this Schedule provides otherwise.

1.6 Where a Carrier requests an instant payout (if offered), the payment provider's instant payout fee, currently 1% of the amount, is deducted from the payout. Standard payouts are free.

2. Price variations

A Carrier may propose an increase where the goods, access or requirements differ materially from the listing, and either party may propose other changes. The other party must accept on the Platform within the time shown, or the variation lapses. An accepted increase is paid by the Shipper through the Platform and added to the Held Funds. The Platform Fee applies to the varied total.

3. Cancellations and refunds

The outcome depends on when and why a Booking is cancelled. "Processing cost" means the payment provider's non-recoverable transaction fee for the original payment.

3.1 A Carrier's proposed cancellation fee must reflect costs actually incurred or work actually done and must be stated with a reason on the Platform. A Shipper who does not accept it may counter or open a dispute; FreightBridge then determines the fee, if any, under Schedule 5.

3.2 Where a Quote attached its own cancellation conditions (for example "no fee more than 48 hours before pickup, 50% within 48 hours"), those conditions guide the fee a Carrier may propose and FreightBridge's determination.

3.3 Refunds go to the original payment method, are initiated within 2 Business Days of the cancellation or determination, and typically appear within 5 to 10 Business Days depending on the bank. All amounts are in Australian dollars.

4. Fee disputes

Tell us within 30 days of a transaction if you believe a fee or refund is wrong. We will investigate and respond within 10 Business Days. This does not limit rights you have under law.

Schedule 2. Payments, Holding of Funds and Release

1. How payment works

1.1 Payments are processed by Stripe Payments Australia Pty Ltd ("Stripe"). Available methods are shown at checkout (currently card, and bank debit methods where offered). Stripe's own terms apply to the use of its services.

1.2 FreightBridge is the merchant of record for the Shipper's payment. Funds are held in FreightBridge's Stripe platform balance ("Held Funds") until a release event in clause 2. Held Funds are not held on trust and Stripe is not an escrow agent; FreightBridge's obligation to release them is a contractual obligation under these Terms.

1.3 Carriers receive payment through a Stripe connected account that FreightBridge sets up during payment onboarding. FreightBridge initiates payouts from that account to the Carrier's nominated Australian bank account.

2. Release of Held Funds

Held Funds for a Booking are released to the Carrier, less the Platform Fee, when the first of these happens:

• the Shipper confirms delivery on the Platform;
• 48 hours pass after the Carrier marks the Load Delivered with Proof of Delivery, and the Shipper has neither confirmed nor opened a dispute (deemed acceptance, clause 16 of the Terms);
• a dispute is resolved in the Carrier's favour, in whole or in part, under Schedule 5;
• both parties agree in writing on the Platform.

Held Funds are refunded to the Shipper when a cancellation or determination under Schedule 1 or Schedule 5 provides for it. Release and refund can be partial where a determination splits the amount.

3. Holds

FreightBridge may keep Held Funds on hold, or pause a payout, while:

• a dispute or cancellation request on the Booking is open;
• a Chargeback on the payment is open;
• the Carrier has not completed payment onboarding or re-verification requested by Stripe or FreightBridge;
• FreightBridge reasonably suspects fraud or unlawful activity, or is required to hold by law, a court, or the payment provider.

We will tell the affected User the reason for a hold, unless the law prevents it, and lift it as soon as the reason ends.

4. Payouts to Carriers

4.1 FreightBridge initiates a standard payout within 3 Business Days after release. Funds typically reach the Carrier's bank account 2 to 3 Business Days after initiation, depending on the bank. Standard payouts are free.

4.2 Before the first payout a Carrier must have completed Stripe payment onboarding, including identity and bank account verification. Carriers with an ABN who are registered for GST are paid GST-inclusive amounts and receive a recipient-created tax invoice where they have agreed to that on the Platform.

4.3 A Carrier's Stripe connected account may be debited by Stripe for a negative balance, which can arise from a reversed transfer under clause 5. Stripe's direct debit authorisation, accepted during onboarding, governs that mechanism.

5. Chargebacks and payment reversals

5.1 If a Shipper's bank or card issuer reverses a payment, FreightBridge is debited the disputed amount and the provider's dispute fee. FreightBridge will contest the Chargeback where the Booking was performed and Proof of Delivery exists, and both parties must provide evidence we reasonably request within 5 Business Days.

5.2 If the Chargeback succeeds and the Carrier had performed the Booking and provided Proof of Delivery, FreightBridge absorbs the loss and does not recover it from the Carrier, unless the Carrier was involved in the fraud or misrepresented delivery.

5.3 If the Chargeback succeeds and the Carrier did not perform, did not provide Proof of Delivery, or contributed to the reversal, FreightBridge may reverse the Carrier's transfer and recover the amount and any provider fee from the Carrier, including by set-off against future payouts.

5.4 A Shipper who initiates a Chargeback instead of using the dispute process, for a Booking that was performed, is responsible for the amount and fees and may have their account suspended.

5.5 Chargebacks can arrive up to 120 days after payment. Clauses 5.1 to 5.4 apply regardless of whether the Carrier has already been paid.

6. Payment errors

If FreightBridge overpays, underpays or duplicates a payment, we will correct it and may recover an overpayment by set-off against a future payout after telling you. Tell us promptly if you notice an error on your account.

7. Records and invoices

FreightBridge issues electronic tax invoices for its fees, tax invoices or recipient-created tax invoices for Carrier services where agreed, and payout and refund statements. Electronic records of Bookings, payments, Proof of Delivery and messages may be relied on as evidence of what happened on the Platform.

Schedule 3. Carrier Requirements

1. Verification

1.1 To quote, a Carrier must have: an active Australian Business Number that FreightBridge has verified; and a government photo ID (driver licence or passport) for the account holder, reviewed and approved by FreightBridge.

1.2 To receive payouts, a Carrier must complete Stripe payment onboarding, which includes identity, business and bank account verification by Stripe.

1.3 Insurance certificates and vehicle details may be added to a Carrier's profile. FreightBridge checks that an uploaded certificate is current and legible and displays it to Shippers; we do not verify it with the insurer.

1.4 FreightBridge may ask for updated documents at any time, and must if a document expires, a Carrier's business ownership or bank details change, or unusual activity is detected. Quoting or payouts may be paused until documents are provided. Supplying false documents is grounds for immediate termination.

2. Insurance

2.1 Every Carrier must hold the insurance the law requires, including compulsory third party insurance for each vehicle and workers compensation insurance where they have employees.

2.2 Carriers should hold public liability insurance and goods-in-transit (marine cargo) insurance appropriate to the freight they accept. A Carrier who does not hold goods-in-transit insurance must not represent otherwise; the absence of cover is shown on the profile where the field is left empty.

2.3 Insurance details shown on a Carrier profile are supplied by the Carrier. Shippers must decide for themselves whether the cover shown suits their shipment.

2.4 A Carrier must tell FreightBridge and remove the details from their profile if a policy lapses or is cancelled.

3. Vehicles and equipment

Every vehicle used for a Booking must be registered, roadworthy, maintained, suitable for the goods, and carry the restraint and safety equipment the load requires. Where a Booking specifies equipment (tailgate, crane, forklift, refrigeration), the Carrier must supply it unless a variation is agreed. Mass, dimension and axle limits must not be exceeded.

4. Drivers

Drivers must hold the licence class required, be legally entitled to work in Australia, be fit for duty, comply with road and fatigue laws, and behave professionally at pickup and delivery sites. The Carrier is responsible for the acts of its drivers, employees and subcontractors.

5. Chain of Responsibility

5.1 Carriers must comply with the Heavy Vehicle National Law where it applies, including fatigue management, speed, mass, dimension, load restraint and vehicle maintenance duties.

5.2 Shippers must not set pickup or delivery times, or give instructions, that would require a driver to breach those duties, and must provide accurate weight and dimension information and safe loading facilities.

5.3 A Carrier must refuse an unsafe or unlawful instruction and report it through the Platform. No penalty applies to a refusal made on genuine safety grounds.

5.4 FreightBridge is not an accredited Chain of Responsibility scheme operator and does not audit Carriers' compliance. Each party remains responsible for its own statutory duties.

6. Proof of Delivery

At delivery the Carrier must capture Proof of Delivery on the Platform: photographs of the goods as delivered, the recipient's name where available, delivery notes, and the location and time recorded by the app. Proof of Delivery starts the 48-hour confirmation window and is the primary evidence in any dispute.

7. Service standards and performance

FreightBridge records acceptance, cancellation, on-time and dispute history for each Carrier and shows ratings and completed-job counts on profiles. Repeated cancellations, no-shows, false Proof of Delivery, unsafe conduct or complaints may lead to warnings, restriction of quoting, suspension or termination under the Terms.

Schedule 4. Prohibited, Restricted and Dangerous Goods

1. Prohibited goods

The following must not be posted or transported through the Platform: illegal drugs; stolen or counterfeit goods; explosives and fireworks; firearms, ammunition and weapons; radioactive materials; hazardous waste; human remains; live animals other than livestock listed under the livestock freight type; cash, bullion and negotiable instruments; and anything whose transport would breach Australian law. FreightBridge may cancel a Booking, suspend the account and notify authorities if prohibited goods are discovered.

2. Restricted goods

Alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, lithium batteries, high-value items (art, jewellery, electronics), perishables and temperature-controlled freight may be transported only where the Shipper discloses them in the listing, the Carrier accepts them, and all licensing, packaging and documentation requirements are met.

3. Dangerous Goods

3.1 A Shipper must declare Dangerous Goods when posting the Load, including UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity, and provide the Safety Data Sheet and any transport documents the law requires before pickup.

3.2 Only Carriers licensed and equipped for the class may accept Dangerous Goods. Any Carrier may refuse Dangerous Goods without penalty.

3.3 If undeclared or misdeclared Dangerous Goods are discovered, the Carrier may stop transport and isolate the goods where safe; FreightBridge may cancel the Booking and suspend the Shipper; and the Shipper is responsible for the reasonable costs and losses that result, subject to law.

3.4 Incidents involving Dangerous Goods must be reported to emergency services as the law requires and to FreightBridge through the Platform as soon as practicable.

Schedule 5. Disputes, Claims and Mediation

1. Principles

1.1 Disputes about a Booking are between the Shipper and the Carrier. FreightBridge does not determine legal liability and is not liable for the outcome of a transport contract it is not party to.

1.2 FreightBridge's role is to keep Held Funds safe while a dispute is open, give both parties a fair process, help them reach agreement, and, if they cannot, make an administrative determination about how the Held Funds for that Booking are released. That determination is made in good faith on the evidence provided. It binds FreightBridge's release of the money it holds; it does not decide either party's legal rights against the other.

1.3 Both parties must act honestly, respond within the timeframes, and provide the evidence they rely on.

2. Opening a dispute

2.1 Either party to a Booking may open a dispute on the load page, choosing a category (cargo damage, late delivery, non-delivery, incorrect cargo, overcharge, or other), describing the issue and attaching evidence.

2.2 A Shipper should open a dispute before the 48-hour confirmation window closes. A dispute may still be opened within 14 days after Held Funds are released, but funds already paid to the Carrier can only be recovered with the Carrier's agreement, through a Chargeback outcome, or as the law allows.

2.3 While a dispute is open, Held Funds stay on hold, automatic release is suspended, and the Booking cannot be cancelled except by agreement.

3. Response and determination

3.1 The other party is notified and has 48 hours to respond with their account and evidence. If they do not respond, FreightBridge may determine the dispute on the evidence available.

3.2 FreightBridge reviews the Booking record, messages, Proof of Delivery, photographs, timestamps and any documents provided, and may ask either party for more information. Where useful, we will propose a resolution for both parties to accept.

3.3 If the parties do not agree, FreightBridge makes its determination within 7 days of the response (or of the response deadline), stating reasons. Possible outcomes: full release to the Carrier; full refund to the Shipper; a split of the Held Funds; or, for cancellation disputes, the cancellation fee that applies.

3.4 Either party may ask for a review of a determination within 7 days by providing new evidence. One review is available.

4. Evidence

The most persuasive evidence is what was captured on the Platform at the time: the listing, the Quote and its conditions, messages, status timestamps, Proof of Delivery photographs and location, and delivery notes. Photographs taken at pickup and at delivery, invoices or repair quotes for damage claims, and packaging should be preserved until the dispute ends.

5. Claims for loss or damage

5.1 A claim for lost or damaged goods is a claim against the Carrier under the Transport Contract and, where relevant, the Carrier's or the Shipper's insurer. FreightBridge will provide the Booking record to an insurer on a party's request.

5.2 FreightBridge does not assess or pay claims. A determination under clause 3 may direct Held Funds toward a claim, but Held Funds are limited to the amount paid for that Booking.

5.3 Report visible damage on the Proof of Delivery at delivery, and concealed damage within 7 days of delivery. Late reports are still considered but may affect the evidence.

6. After the Platform process

6.1 If a party is not satisfied after FreightBridge's determination, the parties may agree to mediation, each bearing their own costs and sharing the mediator's fees equally, or pursue their rights in a court or tribunal.

6.2 Nothing in this Schedule limits rights under the Australian Consumer Law or any other law that cannot be excluded.

6.3 FreightBridge may cooperate with regulators, police, insurers and courts where required or authorised by law.

7. Fraudulent or abusive disputes

A User who opens a dispute in bad faith, fabricates evidence, or uses the dispute process to avoid paying for performed work may be suspended or terminated and remains liable for the amount involved.