1. Definitions
In these Terms & Conditions, the following words carry the meanings set out below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Platform | The OneFreight web application, website, and all related services operated by OneFreight (Pty) Ltd. |
| OneFreight (Pty) Ltd / we / us | OneFreight (Pty) Ltd, the owner and operator of the OneFreight Platform. |
| Consignor | A registered business or individual that uses the Platform to post loads for transport. |
| Transporter | A vetted carrier, fleet operator, or owner-driver registered on the Platform to offer freight transport services. |
| Receiver | The party designated to receive goods at the delivery address specified in a Load. |
| Load / Shipment | A freight shipment posted by a Consignor on the Platform, including all relevant details such as commodity, weight, dimensions, and route. |
| Booking | A confirmed match between a Consignor's Load and a Transporter's acceptance, constituting a binding freight agreement between those parties. |
| Platform Fee | The service fee charged by OneFreight (Pty) Ltd for facilitating a Booking, deducted from the total charge before the Transporter is paid. |
| Freight Rate | The price agreed between Consignor and Transporter for transporting a Load, exclusive of Platform Fees and VAT. |
| Proof of Delivery (POD) | Documentary evidence, including photographs, signatures, or digital confirmation, that goods were delivered in the condition and quantity specified in the Booking. |
2. The Service
OneFreight provides a digital marketplace that enables Consignors to post Loads and receive quotes or offers from Transporters. The Platform facilitates the discovery, matching, booking, and payment process, but does not itself transport goods or employ drivers.
OneFreight (Pty) Ltd acts as an intermediary and is not a party to the freight contract formed between a Consignor and a Transporter. Each Booking represents a direct contractual relationship between those two parties, governed by these Terms & Conditions in addition to any specific terms agreed between them.
3. Transporter Vetting and Verification
All Transporters on the Platform undergo a vetting process before being permitted to accept Loads. As part of this process, we require:
- Operating Licence: A valid operating licence issued under the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009 covering the relevant vehicle types and routes;
- Public Liability Insurance: Evidence of current and adequate public liability and goods-in-transit insurance;
- Roadworthiness: Valid roadworthy certificates for all vehicles listed on the Platform;
- Driver Details: Valid professional driving permits (PrDP) and identity documents for all drivers who will operate under the account; and
- Business Registration: Proof of business registration or tax identification where applicable.
Verification of documents is conducted in good faith. OneFreight (Pty) Ltd does not warrant the ongoing accuracy of a Transporter's credentials after onboarding, and it is the Transporter's responsibility to immediately notify us of any changes, lapses, or revocations. Transporters who allow their credentials to lapse without notification may be suspended.
4. Load Posting by Consignors
When posting a Load, Consignors must provide accurate and complete information, including:
- Commodity type and any special handling requirements (e.g. temperature-sensitive, hazardous, oversized);
- Total weight and relevant dimensions;
- Collection address and preferred collection date and time window;
- Delivery address and required delivery date; and
- Contact details for the Receiver at the destination.
Consignors are responsible for ensuring goods are properly packaged, labelled, and documented in accordance with applicable regulations before handover. Misdeclared loads may result in additional costs, penalties, or suspension of the Consignor's account.
5. Matching and Booking Process
Once a Load is posted, Transporters who meet the route and capacity requirements may submit quotes or express interest. The Consignor reviews available Transporters, including their ratings, verified credentials, and pricing, and selects a preferred match.
A Booking is confirmed when both the Consignor and the Transporter have accepted the terms of the Load via the Platform. At this point:
- The Consignor's payment obligation for the agreed Freight Rate plus Platform Fee is established;
- The Transporter is obligated to collect the goods at the agreed time; and
- Cancellation rules (see our Refund & Cancellation Policy) come into effect.
6. Consignor Obligations
By confirming a Booking, the Consignor agrees to:
- Have goods ready for collection at the agreed location and time;
- Provide accurate delivery instructions and Receiver contact details;
- Ensure the goods comply with all applicable South African transport regulations;
- Settle payment in accordance with clause 8 below; and
- Provide a proof-of-delivery (POD) signature or digital confirmation upon receipt of goods in satisfactory condition.
7. Transporter Obligations
By accepting a Booking, the Transporter agrees to:
- Collect the goods at the agreed date, time, and location;
- Transport goods safely, securely, and without unreasonable delay;
- Provide regular status updates through the Platform where applicable;
- Ensure the driver assigned to the Load holds a valid PrDP for the relevant vehicle;
- Comply at all times with applicable road traffic and freight transport legislation; and
- Report any loss, damage, or incident involving the goods to OneFreight (Pty) Ltd and the Consignor within two hours of occurrence.
8. Payment Terms
Consignors are charged for completed shipments in accordance with the payment arrangement agreed at account setup. Depending on the arrangement, payment may be collected at the time of booking confirmation or invoiced on a periodic basis. Consignors must maintain valid payment details on the Platform at all times and settle all amounts by the due dates communicated.
Transporters are paid the agreed Freight Rate less applicable Platform Fees, after the shipment has been completed and any dispute period has elapsed without an unresolved claim. Payment is made via electronic funds transfer to the Transporter's registered South African bank account. Transporters must ensure their banking details are accurate and up to date.
All transactions are conducted in South African Rand (ZAR). Amounts displayed on the Platform are exclusive of VAT where applicable; VAT will be added at the applicable rate and itemised on invoices and receipts.
OneFreight (Pty) Ltd acts as a payment intermediary. In the event of a dispute, relevant funds may be held pending resolution as described in clause 11.
9. Platform Fees
OneFreight (Pty) Ltd charges a Platform Fee for each successfully completed Booking. Fees are deducted before the Transporter is paid. The current fee schedule is communicated at account setup and displayed on the Platform. Fees may vary based on load type, route, account arrangement, or promotional terms and may be updated with reasonable prior notice.
Platform Fees are non-refundable except where a Booking fails due to an error solely attributable to OneFreight (Pty) Ltd. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy for full details.
10. Accelerated Payouts
Eligible Transporters may be offered an accelerated payout arrangement under which payment for a completed shipment is processed automatically once a short post-delivery review period has elapsed and no dispute is outstanding. Eligibility is determined by OneFreight (Pty) Ltd based on account standing and other criteria at our discretion and may change from time to time.
If a dispute is raised during the review period, the payout for that shipment is suspended until the dispute is resolved. OneFreight (Pty) Ltd also reserves the right to place a temporary hold on any payout where circumstances warrant review, including but not limited to concerns about delivery validity or compliance. The Transporter will be notified of any such hold via the Platform and the hold will be lifted promptly once the matter is resolved.
11. Liability Between Parties
The freight contract is between the Consignor and the Transporter. As between those parties:
- The Transporter is responsible for loss of or damage to goods occurring during transit, except where caused by the Consignor's inadequate packaging, misdeclaration, or force majeure;
- The Consignor is responsible for delays or additional costs arising from inaccessible collection or delivery points, misdeclared goods, or failure to have goods ready on time;
- OneFreight (Pty) Ltd's liability is limited as set out in the Terms of Use; and
- Transporters are encouraged to carry goods-in-transit insurance adequate for the value of loads they accept.
12. Disputes
If a dispute arises regarding a completed shipment, either party may raise it through the Platform within the applicable review period following delivery. Disputes must be submitted via the Platform and supported by relevant evidence such as photographs, delivery records, or communications.
OneFreight (Pty) Ltd will review the matter and any relevant payout will be held pending resolution. Both parties may be asked to provide additional information during the review. Following review, we will issue a determination which may result in the payout proceeding in full, being adjusted, or being withheld, depending on the findings.
Our determination is final and binding within the Platform. Where a party believes it was reached in error, a review may be requested by contacting info@onefreight.co.za within 5 business days. This does not prevent either party from seeking recourse through the courts or applicable statutory bodies under South African law.
13. Reviews and Ratings
Following a completed shipment, Consignors and Transporters may be invited to rate and review one another on the Platform. Reviews must be honest and based on genuine experience. OneFreight (Pty) Ltd reserves the right to remove reviews that are defamatory, fraudulent, or otherwise in breach of these Terms. Attempts to manipulate ratings may result in account suspension or removal.
14. Account Conduct and Standing
OneFreight (Pty) Ltd monitors account activity on an ongoing basis to maintain the integrity and safety of the Platform community. Accounts that demonstrate a pattern of cancellations, disputes, non-compliance, or any conduct that harms other users or the Platform may be subject to warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent removal, depending on the severity and frequency of the conduct.
Account standing may also affect access to certain Platform features and arrangements. OneFreight (Pty) Ltd reserves the right to restrict or withdraw access to any feature or arrangement based on account conduct without prior notice where necessary to protect the Platform and its users.
Permanent account removals will be communicated to the affected user, who may appeal within 10 business days by contacting info@onefreight.co.za.
15. Amendments
OneFreight (Pty) Ltd reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. Registered users will be notified of material changes by email and by a notice on the Platform. Changes take effect 14 days after notification unless a Booking already confirmed under the previous Terms is affected, in which case the original Terms apply to that Booking.
16. Severability
If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable under South African law, that provision shall be severed from the rest of the Terms. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts for the resolution of any disputes arising from or in connection with these Terms.
This agreement is further subject to the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECT Act) and, where applicable, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.
18. Contact
For any queries relating to these Terms & Conditions, please contact:
- Email: info@onefreight.co.za
- Operator: OneFreight (Pty) Ltd
- Platform: live.onefreight.co.za