Core specialisation · transport and freight forwarding law
Transport and logistics
We act for carriers, freight forwarders, shippers and consignees in domestic and international transport – from cargo damage claims and freight collection to disputes with insurers.
Runs the legal advisory service of the Czech Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association for its members.
info@akfmk.cz · +420 603 222 543Who we work for
We support the whole transport chain
Carriers
Defence against claims, liability limits, freight collection, recourse against subcontractors.
Freight forwarders
Forwarding contracts, liability for choosing the carrier, terms and conditions, disputes along the chain.
Shippers and consignees
Claims for damaged goods, loss and delay, contracts with carriers and logistics partners.
Warehouses and logistics centres
Warehousing contracts, warehouse-keeper liability, liens, logistics service agreements.
When to contact us
Get in touch if…
- a shipment arrived damaged, incomplete or not at all,
- you received a claim and are unsure whether and how far you are liable,
- a customer will not pay the freight or sets off a damage claim,
- an insurer has refused cover or is seeking recourse,
- you want contracts and terms that limit your risk,
- a dispute has a foreign element and you need to know which court and which law apply.
Services
What we do
Damage and claims
- bringing and defending cargo damage claims
- loss, shortage and delay in delivery
- reservations in the CMR consignment note
- calculating compensation and liability limits
Contracts and terms
- carriage, forwarding and warehousing contracts
- framework logistics agreements
- terms and conditions for carriers and forwarders
- contractual penalties, Incoterms, declared value
Transport receivables
- collecting freight charges and related costs
- defence against unlawful set-off
- European order for payment
- claims in a customer’s insolvency
Insurance and recourse
- dealing with liability and cargo insurers
- insurers’ recourse claims
- coverage disputes
- aligning cover with contractual risks
Disputes
- court and arbitration proceedings
- choice of court and governing law
- disputes along the carrier – forwarder – subcontractor chain
- working with experts and foreign counsel
Running your business
- vehicle purchase and leasing contracts
- contracts with subcontractors and drivers
- ongoing legal support
- claims training for dispatchers
Key deadlines and limits
International road transport (CMR Convention)
Higher compensation can be agreed by declaring the value of the goods or a special interest in delivery (Arts. 24 and 26). The limit does not apply in case of wilful misconduct or equivalent default by the carrier (Art. 29). For freight charges, limitation starts only 3 months after the contract of carriage was made (Art. 32).
Which rules apply to your shipment
| Mode of transport | Legal framework | Liability limit |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic road (Czech Republic) | Czech Civil Code: contract for carriage of goods (s. 2555 ff.); forwarding contract (s. 2471 ff.) | per contract and statute |
| International road | CMR Convention | 8,33 SDR/kg |
| Rail | COTIF, CIM Uniform Rules | 17 SDR/kg |
| Air | Montreal Convention | 26 SDR/kg (since 28 Dec 2024) |
| Sea | Hague-Visby Rules | 666.67 SDR per package or 2 SDR/kg |
| Warehousing | Czech Civil Code, warehousing contract (s. 2415 ff.) | per contract and statute |
Process
How we handle a cargo damage claim
- 1Securing evidenceConsignment note, photos, damage report, communication with dispatch.
- 2Assessing liabilityWho is liable, under which rules and up to what amount.
- 3Claim and negotiationTimely reservation, demand letter, talks with the carrier and insurer.
- 4Court or settlementAction before the competent court, or a settlement that makes business sense.
FAQ
What clients ask us
How quickly must I report damage to an international shipment?
Apparent damage must be noted at the latest on delivery. Hidden damage must be notified in writing within 7 days (excluding Sundays and public holidays), delay within 21 days. Missing the reservation does not automatically mean losing the claim, but it makes it much harder to prove.
How much will the carrier pay if the goods are destroyed?
Under CMR, at most 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight, unless a higher value was declared. For light, high-value goods compensation is therefore often far below the actual loss. The SDR rate is published by the International Monetary Fund.
Is the carrier or the forwarder liable?
It depends on the contract you concluded. A forwarder who only arranges transport is mainly liable for choosing the carrier with due care. If it performs the transport itself or acts as carrier, it is liable as a carrier.
How long can I pursue unpaid freight?
For international carriage under CMR the limitation period is one year. For freight charges it only starts 3 months after the contract of carriage was made. It pays to act early.
Can my customer set off a damage claim against my freight?
Under certain conditions yes, but not every claim can be set off. We will assess whether the set-off is justified and to what extent.
Do you act for foreign clients?
Yes. We work in Czech, English and German, and for disputes abroad we cooperate with local counsel.
Tell us about your case
We usually reply within 3 business days.
