Last updated: 4 September 2026

5.1 Shipping terms are set per transaction

MRH Site Traders supplies frozen food across widely different routes, quantities, temperature requirements and destination markets. A single published shipping schedule would be inaccurate for most of our customers and misleading for the rest. We therefore do not publish fixed shipping terms.

For every order, the following are agreed in writing in the sales agreement, the purchase order or the accepted proforma invoice, and those documents are the binding record:

•  the applicable Incoterms 2020 rule — typically EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP, DAP or DDP — determining the point at which cost and risk transfer;

•  the port or place of loading and the port or place of discharge or delivery;

•  the mode of transport, whether reefer container, reefer truck or air freight;

•  the carriage temperature and any tolerance band, together with the temperature recording requirement;

•  the despatch window or delivery window, and any partial shipment permission;

•  the packing, palletisation, carton marking and labelling specification;

•  the documentation set to be provided;

•  responsibility for insurance, demurrage, detention, port charges and customs clearance;

•  who bears the cost of any temperature excursion investigation.

Where the signed agreement and this page differ, the signed agreement prevails.

5.2 Cold chain

All products are frozen goods requiring continuous storage and transport at minus eighteen degrees Celsius or colder, unless a different temperature is specified for a particular product. The cold chain is the single most important variable in this trade.

We are responsible for maintaining the specified temperature up to the point at which risk passes under the agreed Incoterm. From that point onward, responsibility for maintaining the cold chain rests with the buyer or the buyer's nominated carrier. Where the buyer nominates the carrier, the buyer is responsible for satisfying itself that the carrier's equipment is capable of holding the specified temperature for the duration of the journey.

Reefer containers are supplied with the set point recorded on the shipping documents. Where a temperature recording device is fitted, its data is the primary evidence in any temperature dispute. The party who bears risk at the time of an excursion bears the consequences of it.

5.3 Lead times

Indicative lead times are provided at the time of quotation and depend on product, quantity, whether stock is available or requires fresh production, packaging and label preparation, container and vessel availability, and export documentation. Lead times quoted are estimates made in good faith, are not contractual commitments, and do not run until the applicable advance payment has been received in cleared funds and all specifications, artwork and label approvals have been confirmed in writing by the buyer.

5.4 Delay

We are not liable for delay in despatch or delivery, and delay does not entitle the buyer to reject the goods, cancel the order or claim damages. This includes delay arising from vessel rollover, port congestion, customs or regulatory inspection, container or reefer plug shortage, cold storage capacity, weather, and delay by any carrier, forwarder, testing laboratory or authority. Where delay is prolonged and material, the parties will discuss the position in good faith.

5.5 Documentation

The export documentation set is agreed per shipment and typically includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, health or veterinary certificate as required by the destination, phytosanitary certificate where applicable, FSSAI or laboratory analysis certificate, insurance certificate where we insure, and fumigation certificate where required.

The buyer notifies us in writing before despatch of any documentation, legalisation, attestation or certification specific to its market. We are not responsible for delay, demurrage, penalty, detention or refusal of entry arising from a requirement the buyer did not disclose to us in time.

Where payment is against documents, documents are released only in accordance with the agreed payment mechanism and only after the corresponding payment condition is satisfied.

5.6 Delivery, shortage and demurrage

The buyer or its agent takes delivery within the free time allowed at the port or place of discharge. All demurrage, detention, storage, plug-in and rehandling charges incurred after that period are for the buyer's account, including where the delay arises from the buyer's own import clearance.

Short delivery or visible damage must be recorded on the delivery receipt or discharge document at the time of receipt and notified to us under the Returns, Replacement and Quality Claims Policy. A clean receipt is evidence that the stated quantity was received in apparent good order.

5.7 Insurance

Marine or transit insurance is arranged by whichever party the agreed Incoterm makes responsible. Where we arrange insurance under a CIF or CIP contract, cover is at the minimum level required by that Incoterm unless the buyer requests and pays for wider cover in writing before despatch. We strongly recommend that buyers taking risk from an early point arrange all-risks cover including refrigeration machinery breakdown.