Terms & conditions of carriage

1. These terms

These conditions govern every consignment carried by Meridian Parcel Services Ltd ("we", "us"). By handing us a consignment you accept them. They do not affect the statutory rights of a consumer.

2. Our service

We will collect, carry and deliver your consignment with reasonable care and skill. Published transit times are estimates and are not guaranteed unless you have bought a timed service and we have confirmed it in writing.

Working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in England and Wales, except where a Saturday service has been purchased.

3. Your responsibilities

You must package each item so it withstands normal handling in a parcel network, label it clearly with the delivery address and postcode, and give us accurate weights and dimensions.

You must not send prohibited goods (see clause 4). You are responsible for the accuracy of the address; a redirection after collection may attract a charge.

4. Prohibited and restricted goods

We do not carry cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals or stones, live animals, human remains, firearms or ammunition, illegal drugs, or goods whose carriage is prohibited by law.

Dangerous goods, alcohol, tobacco and temperature-controlled goods are carried only under a written agreement.

5. Charges

Charges are calculated on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight (length × width × height in centimetres divided by 5,000), plus any applicable surcharges and VAT.

We may re-weigh and re-measure any consignment and adjust the charge accordingly. A fuel surcharge applies to the carriage charge and is reviewed monthly.

Invoices are payable within 30 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed.

6. Delivery

We deliver to the address on the label. We may obtain a signature, take a photograph, deliver to a neighbour or leave the consignment in a nominated safe place, and any of these constitutes delivery.

If we cannot deliver, we will attempt delivery again on the next working day. After a second failed attempt the consignment is held at the delivery depot and, if uncollected, returned to sender at your cost.

7. Liability

Our liability for loss of or damage to a consignment is limited to the lower of the value of the goods and £100 per consignment, unless you have declared a higher value and paid the corresponding premium.

We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, contract or goodwill, nor for delay unless a timed service was purchased.

Nothing in these conditions limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud.

8. Claims

Claims for damage or partial loss must be notified within 7 days of delivery, and for total loss within 28 days of the date of collection. We may require the packaging to be retained for inspection.

9. Data protection

We process personal data in accordance with our privacy notice and UK data protection law.

10. Governing law

These conditions are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.