Merchant Terms of Service
These Terms govern access to and use of Porterchain’s local delivery infrastructure services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). By creating an account, submitting parcels, or using Porterchain services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Service description
Porterchain provides local delivery infrastructure, including pricing computation, routing, dispatch coordination, delivery execution, proof of delivery, billing, and reporting. Porterchain is not a postal service, common carrier, or insurer.
2. Eligibility & account responsibilities
Merchants must be legally registered businesses; provide accurate account and pickup location information; ensure only authorized users access the account; and maintain accurate parcel data (size, weight, address). Merchants are responsible for all activity under their account.
3. Pricing, tiers & billing
Pricing is fixed by parcel size class (XS, S, M, L, XL), tier (based on expected or agreed volume per pickup location), and applicable rate card. Pricing is displayed before booking confirmation and recorded. Tier 1: 1–25 parcels/day. Tier 2: 26–300 parcels/day (self-serve). Pre-negotiation eligibility: 200–299 parcels/day (not guaranteed). Tier 3: 300–1000 parcels/day (custom proposals).
4. Parcel standards & merchant obligations
Parcels must be properly packaged, sealed, and stackable; accurately declared for size and weight; and free of prohibited or illegal items. Porterchain may refuse or reclassify parcels that do not meet standards.
5. Pickup, delivery & execution
Pickup windows must be respected. Delivery routes are optimized by the system. Porterchain may split routes to maintain service quality. Delivery times are estimated, not guaranteed.
6. Exceptions, failed deliveries & returns
Exceptions include incorrect address, recipient unavailable, access issues, and parcel damage due to packaging. Return handling and reattempts may incur additional charges.
7. Proof of delivery (POD)
POD may include photo, signature, timestamp, and GPS data. POD records are made available through merchant reports.
8. Payment terms & holds
Weekly invoicing. Auto-pay required. Taxes applied as required by law. Soft hold: posting disabled for overdue invoices. Hard hold: dispatch suspended. Services resume upon payment settlement.
9. Data, privacy & confidentiality
Use of personal data is governed by the Porterchain Privacy Policy. Merchants must comply with applicable privacy laws when using the platform.
10. Insurance & risk allocation
Merchants are responsible for adequate insurance for their goods. Porterchain’s insurance coverage is limited and does not replace merchant insurance.
11. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Porterchain’s liability is limited to the fees paid for the affected delivery.
12. Indemnification
Merchants agree to indemnify Porterchain against claims arising from prohibited items, misdeclared parcels, and legal non-compliance.
13. Suspension & termination
Porterchain may suspend or terminate accounts for non-payment, policy violations, or legal or security risks.
14. Changes to services or pricing
Porterchain may update services or pricing with notice. Continued use constitutes acceptance.
15. Governing law & jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario and Canada.
16. Contact information
Legal & Compliance: legal@porterchain.com