CaribElite Courier – Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: The earlier of (a) account sign‑up/registration or (b) first use of the Services.

Applies To: All customers (business and personal)

Company: CaribElite Courier ("CaribElite," "we," "us," or "our")

Customer: ("you," "shipper," or "recipient")

1. Definitions

Shipment – Any package or parcel received by CaribElite for local delivery within Jamaica.

Arrival – The moment CaribElite records electronic receipt of a Shipment at its designated facility in Jamaica, confirmed by timestamp and acceptance scan after customs clearance.

Days means calendar days unless expressly stated otherwise.

Delivery – Final handover to the recipient, evidenced by (i) signature and valid government ID, or (ii) photographic proof at the specified address.

Attempted Delivery – A documented delivery event where a driver attends the address on record, is unable to complete Delivery after reasonable effort (including knocking/ringing and contacting the recipient where possible), and captures timestamped photographic evidence and driver notes indicating the reason Delivery could not be completed. Presence at the address for up to ten (10) minutes with no response qualifies as an Attempted Delivery.

Forwarder – The independent third‑party freight company responsible for overseas transportation and customs clearance.

Recipient – The person authorized to receive the Shipment at the Delivery address.

2. Scope of Service

2.1. CaribElite provides last‑mile delivery services within Jamaica for Shipments arriving from international freight forwarders and warehouses.

2.2. We act solely as the last‑mile delivery intermediary. We are not the international carrier, freight forwarder, customs broker, importer, consignee, or owner of goods under any circumstances.

2.3. CaribElite’s liability begins at the timestamp of our official acceptance scan post‑customs clearance and ends upon completed Delivery or Attempted Delivery, whichever occurs first.

2.4. We rely on Shipment data and declared values provided by the originating Forwarder and/or shipper and are not responsible for any pre‑Arrival loss, mislabeling, misdeclaration, or data errors.

2.5. Service availability, delivery timelines, and pickup coverage may vary by region and are subject to operational capacity. All delivery times are estimates only and not guaranteed. Delays caused by customs, weather, or third‑party carriers are outside our control and do not constitute service failure.

2.6. By using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

3. Forwarder Disclaimer

3.1. All international shipping, freight handling, and customs clearance are managed by independent Forwarders.

3.2. CaribElite assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or delay occurring before Arrival in Jamaica.

3.3. We do not trace, recover, or investigate Shipments missing prior to Arrival. CaribElite does not investigate international losses unless a confirmed Arrival scan exists.

3.4. Our Services may interface with third‑party logistics partners. While we coordinate with such partners, we are not responsible for their actions, schedules, or policies.

4. Customs Clearance

4.1. Customs clearance and duty/tax payments are performed by the Forwarder or its appointed customs broker, not CaribElite. CaribElite does not represent customers before Jamaican Customs.

4.2. We receive Shipments only after customs clearance and payment of all duties and taxes.

4.3. We are not liable for customs delays, seizures, assessments, fines, or incorrect declarations.

4.4. If a Shipment is returned or disposed of due to unpaid duties/taxes or incorrect documentation, all related costs are the customer’s responsibility.

5. Duties and Taxes

5.1. All import duties, taxes, GCT, CAF/processing, and any other fees assessed by Jamaican Customs are the sole responsibility of the shipper or recipient.

5.2. Failure to pay these fees may result in delay, confiscation, or disposal of goods.

5.3. If duties or taxes remain unpaid after fifteen (15) days from notice, the Shipment may be returned or disposed of at the customer’s expense.

6. Delivery, Re‑Delivery, and Storage

6.1. After Arrival, CaribElite delivers to the address provided by the shipper or Recipient.

6.2. If the Recipient is unavailable, one (1) additional re‑delivery attempt will be made at no extra charge.

6.3. After two (2) failed attempts, the Shipment will be held for seven (7) days at our local office for collection.

6.4. Storage Fee: After seven (7) days, storage charges of JMD $100 per day per package apply.

6.5. Customer Consent to Disposal: By using our Services, the customer consents to disposal protocols after the periods below. Shipments uncollected after thirty (30) days may be sold, returned, or disposed of without further liability to CaribElite. Before disposal, at least two (2) notices (email or SMS) will be sent to the last known contact details on file.

6.6. Proof of Delivery (POD):

• 6.6.1. Signature and valid ID, or

• 6.6.2. Photograph showing the package at the Delivery address (e.g., doorway, mailbox, gate, or concierge) with timestamp and, where available, geo-tag metadata captured in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• 6.6.3. Photographic proof shall be deemed conclusive evidence of Delivery unless the customer submits contrary proof within forty‑eight (48) hours of the POD notice.
  
  

6.7. Delivery to the provided address constitutes final Delivery, even if the named Recipient is not present, unless misdelivery is proven.

6.8. Where contactless delivery is selected or required, photographic proof constitutes full and final evidence of Delivery.

6.9. Once POD has been issued under Section 6.6 or 6.8, no refund or claim for non‑receipt shall be entertained unless fraudulent misdelivery or system error is proven.

7. Liability Limitation

7.1. CaribElite’s liability for loss or damage after Arrival and caused by our negligence is limited to the lower of (a) the JMD equivalent of USD $100 or (b) the Shipment’s declared value, whichever is less.

7.2. No Automatic Insurance: Declared value is used only for customs and liability‑cap purposes and does not constitute insurance.

7.3. We are not liable for: (a) pre‑Arrival loss or damage; (b) customs actions or delays; (c) incorrect or incomplete addresses; or (d) consequential, incidental, special, exemplary, or indirect losses (including missed deadlines, lost profits, or loss of business).

7.4. The foregoing limitations do not apply to losses caused by our gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraudulent acts. All claims are limited to direct losses; consequential or punitive damages are excluded.

7.5. Nothing in this Agreement limits rights under the Jamaican Consumer Protection Act.

7.6. All claims are settled based on the Shipment’s actual value at time of receipt by CaribElite, not retail or replacement value.

7.7. Any conversions between USD/JMD use CaribElite’s posted exchange rate at the time of settlement; all claims are paid in JMD.

8. Excluded & Restricted Items

8.1. We do not accept: (a) cash, jewelry, precious metals, or negotiable instruments; (b) perishable or temperature‑sensitive goods; (c) hazardous or illegal goods under Jamaican law; or (d) unpackaged or poorly sealed items.

8.2. Electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) are accepted only up to a maximum liability of USD $100 unless additional coverage is purchased.

8.3. Items shipped without disclosure or in violation of law travel entirely at the shipper’s risk.

8.4. We may open, or request opening of, any Shipment if there is reasonable suspicion of prohibited contents. Our Services must not be used for the transport of illegal, counterfeit, or restricted goods. We cooperate with law enforcement where required. CaribElite reserves the right to destroy prohibited items without refund if instructed by authorities.

8.5. Fragile or Breakable Items. Fragile, breakable, or delicate goods (including but not limited to glassware, ceramics, mirrors, displays/screens, liquids, and similar items) are accepted entirely at the shipper’s risk unless packaged to recognized commercial shipping standards (e.g., double-boxed, rigid outer carton, internal cushioning to prevent movement, corner/edge protection, no glass-to-glass contact, and liquids sealed, leak-tested, and bagged). Packages must be clearly labeled “FRAGILE” and, where applicable, “THIS SIDE UP.” CaribElite does not guarantee safe transit of such items. Liability for damage to fragile goods is excluded unless (a) visible external damage to the packaging is recorded at delivery and (b) optional extended coverage under §11 was purchased before shipment.

9. Packaging & Labeling

9.1. The shipper is responsible for proper packaging, sealing, and labeling of each Shipment.

9.2. Poor or insufficient packaging voids liability for resulting damage.

9.3. Each package must display a visible label with the Recipient’s full name and tracking number.

9.4. Declared value discrepancies between Forwarder and shipper are resolved based on the Forwarder’s data.

9.5. Shippers must use packaging that protects the contents from normal handling and transport forces. Insufficient or non-compliant packaging voids liability for resulting damage, including for fragile items under §8.5.

10. Declared Value

10.1. Declared value is used for customs purposes only and does not constitute insurance.

10.2. If no declared value is provided, a default of USD $50 applies for liability purposes.

10.3. CaribElite is not responsible for verifying the declared value or description of any Shipment provided by a third‑party Forwarder or shipper.

11. Optional Coverage

11.1. Customers may purchase optional extended coverage for Shipments valued above USD $100 at published rates.

11.2. CaribElite is not an insurer and does not guarantee any third‑party insurance provider’s performance.

11.3. Extended coverage is not insurance; it represents an enhanced liability limit under CaribElite’s internal policy.

11.4. Extended coverage does not apply to damage caused by inadequate packaging or to fragile items unless the packaging met recognized standards at time of tender. CaribElite may require photo or video evidence of pre-shipment packaging and reserves the right to deny or reduce a claim if such evidence is not provided.

12. Claims

12.1. Claims for loss, damage, or non‑delivery must be made in writing to [email protected].

12.2. Notification deadlines: (a) visible damage or shortage – within 24 hours of Delivery notice; (b) concealed loss or non‑receipt – within 7 days of expected Delivery.

12.3. Claims filed after 30 days may be deemed void at CaribElite’s sole discretion.

12.4. Valid claims are settled within thirty (30) days after verification and never exceed the applicable liability limit.

12.5. If a Shipment is deemed undeliverable after thirty (30) days, CaribElite may return or dispose of it without further liability.

13. Storage Lien

13.1. We maintain a general lien over Shipments for unpaid delivery, storage, or other charges. The lien survives Delivery until payment is received in full.

13.2. If unpaid after thirty (30) days and after at least two (2) notices, we may sell or dispose of the Shipment and apply proceeds to outstanding charges (net of reasonable costs of sale/disposal). Proceeds handling: Net proceeds after reasonable costs of sale/disposal and unpaid charges will be held for 90 days for claim by the customer, then forfeited.

13.3. Shipments found to contain prohibited or illegal goods, or left unclaimed beyond the maximum storage period, may be surrendered to authorities or destroyed without compensation.

14. Force Majeure

CaribElite is not liable for delay or non‑performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, extreme weather, strikes or industrial disputes, customs actions, civil unrest, pandemics, government‑imposed restrictions, network or systems outages, or acts of third parties.

15. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless CaribElite, its officers, employees, and agents from all losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, claims, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from: (a) misdeclared, illegal, or prohibited contents; (b) breach of these Terms; or (c) false or misleading information supplied to us. This indemnity excludes losses caused by our own negligence and survives termination of this Agreement.

16. Account Use & Verification

16.1. Customers must not permit unauthorized persons to use their account, name, or Delivery address to receive Shipments.

16.2. CaribElite is not liable for any loss, damage, or legal issue arising from such misuse.

16.3. Any account or address used for Shipments on behalf of unverified third parties may be suspended without refund or notice.

16.4. We may require government‑issued identification or contact verification before releasing Shipments.

16.5. Failure to verify identity or provide requested documentation may delay or prevent Delivery.

16.6. Shipments linked to fraudulent, incomplete, or false addresses, or to third parties using another customer’s name or account without authorization, are shipped entirely at the sender’s risk. CaribElite assumes no responsibility or refund obligation in such cases.

16.7. CaribElite reserves the right to report suspicious Shipments to law enforcement and to retain Shipments pending investigation of suspected misuse.

17. Communication

17.1. CaribElite communicates delivery updates via the contact details provided at registration.

17.2. We are not responsible for missed notifications, delays, or storage fees resulting from incorrect, inactive, or inaccessible contact information provided by the customer.

17.3. Customers consent to electronic communication (email/SMS/in‑app) as the primary method of notice. 

17.4. Notices are deemed received when sent to the last contact details on file.

18. Data Protection & Privacy

18.1. We process personal data only for operational, billing, security, and legal purposes under the Data Protection Act (Jamaica).

18.2. Data is stored securely, encrypted in transit and at rest.

18.3. We may share limited information with trusted logistics and payment partners under confidentiality agreements.

18.4. Customers may request access, correction, or deletion of their personal data at any time by contacting [email protected].

18.5. Personal data is retained for up to seven (7) years after the last Shipment or while the account remains active, unless a longer period is required by law. Hosting and data processing functions may be supported by authorized third‑party service providers who comply with equivalent security and privacy standards.

19. Legal Period & Jurisdiction

19.1. Any legal claim must be initiated within six (6) months from the date of Delivery or expected Delivery.

19.2. This Agreement is governed by the laws of Jamaica.

19.3. Any dispute shall be heard exclusively in the Courts of Kingston, Jamaica.

19.4. The parties shall first attempt to resolve disputes via good‑faith mediation before resorting to litigation.

20. Changes to Terms

CaribElite may amend these Terms by publishing updates on its website. The version in effect on the Shipment’s booking date applies to that Shipment.

21. Entire Agreement; Non‑Waiver; Assignment

21.1. These Terms constitute the complete and exclusive agreement between CaribElite and the customer regarding the Services described. No verbal promises or informal representations alter this Agreement.

21.2. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

21.3. Our failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

21.4. You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under this Agreement without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganization, or sale of assets without notice.

22. Service Refusal

CaribElite reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or discontinue Service to any customer who breaches these Terms, provides false information, or engages in activity that may expose the company to legal, reputational, or security risk. We may retain Shipments pending investigation of any suspected misuse.

23. Governing Version; Class/Collective Action Waiver (Optional)

23.1. In case of any discrepancy between versions of these Terms, the version posted on our website shall prevail.

23.2. To the fullest extent permitted by law, disputes must be brought in a party’s individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, or representative proceeding.

CaribElite Courier – All Rights Reserved

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website:www.caribelitecourier.com