CROWN FLEX - ONLINE BOOKING SERVICE

1. INTRODUCTION

We are CrownSDS Limited (trading as "CrownSDS") ("we" / "us" / "our"), a company registered in England and Wales under company number 13149258. Our registered office is at International Logistics Centre, Bonehill Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, B78 3HH.

These terms govern your use of the Crown Flex - Online Booking Service.

2. CROWN FLEX - ONLINE BOOKING SERVICE

2.1 Crown Flex - Online Booking (the "Booking Service") is a flexible, non-dedicated online platform that allows customers to request delivery and collection services, either in advance or at short notice.

2.2 The Booking Service may be accessed via our website, mobile applications, or other digital platforms we make available from time to time.

2.3 The Booking Service connects customers with Self-Employed Drivers, who operate their own businesses and provide services to multiple customers.

2.4 All delivery and collection services are arranged by CrownSDS and performed by Self-Employed Drivers engaged as independent subcontractors of CrownSDS.

2.5 Any delivery or collection arranged through the Booking Service is subject to driver availability and is only confirmed upon acceptance by the driver.

2.6 Advance bookings may qualify for preferential pricing. Pricing is dynamic and may vary based on timing, distance, demand, and service requirements.

2.7 Crown Flex - Online Booking does not create any obligation on CrownSDS to offer work to drivers, nor any obligation on drivers to accept work. Each booking is offered and accepted on a purely ad-hoc, non-exclusive basis.

2.8 Crown Flex - Online Booking does not guarantee specific collection or delivery times unless expressly agreed in writing, particularly for services requested outside the booked time window.

3. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

3.1 By placing a booking through Crown Flex - Online Booking, you agree to be bound by these terms.

3.2 We may update these terms at any time. Continued use of the Booking Service constitutes acceptance of any revised terms.

3.3 These terms do not affect your statutory rights under UK law.

4. REGISTRATION

4.1 You may be required to register an account to use Crown Flex - Online Booking.

4.2 You must provide accurate and complete information and keep your login credentials secure. You are responsible for all activity carried out under your account.

4.3 We reserve the right to refuse or suspend registration at our discretion.

4.4 You must maintain a valid email address for service-related communications.

5. BOOKINGS & SERVICE REQUESTS

5.1 All bookings must include accurate and complete details, including:

• Collection and delivery addresses
• Description and nature of the goods
• Handling or access requirements
• Requested dates and times

5.2 Bookings may be:

• Advance bookings, which may attract preferential pricing; or
• Short-notice bookings, subject to immediate availability and prevailing rates.

5.3 A Delivery Contract is formed only when a Self-Employed Driver accepts the booking. CrownSDS is not a party to the Delivery Contract but acts as a facilitator.

5.4 All services booked through Crown Flex are provided on a non-exclusive, non-dedicated basis and may be amended or cancelled in accordance with clauses 7 and 8.

5.5 Acceptance of a booking is entirely at the discretion of the Self-Employed Driver. CrownSDS does not direct, supervise, or control the way services are performed once a booking has been accepted.

5.6 Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs)
ETAs for collection and/or delivery will be provided on the day of collection, once a Self-Employed Driver has commenced or confirmed the service. All ETAs are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Collection and delivery are performed within the booked time window only. ETAs may be affected by traffic conditions, weather, route changes, operational constraints, or other factors outside CrownSDS's or the driver's control.

5.7 Time Windows
Bookings are accepted based on time windows rather than fixed appointment times, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

6. CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS

6.1 You warrant that:

• All goods descriptions, values, weights, and handling requirements are accurate
• You have authority to enter the Delivery Contract
• The goods are lawful and not restricted or prohibited (see clause 11)

6.2 You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to transport, packaging, and safety.

6.3 You are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or regulatory charges applicable to your shipment.

7. PRICING & PAYMENTS

7.1 Prices are calculated dynamically based on distance, timing, service requirements, and availability.

7.2 All payments must be made through Crown Flex - Online Booking. Cash payments to Self-Employed Drivers are strictly prohibited.

7.3 Advance booking rates are not guaranteed and may change prior to driver acceptance.

8. CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

8.1 Cancellation more than 48 hours before the scheduled collection time: Full refund, less reasonable administration costs.

8.2 Cancellation 24-48 hours before collection: 50% refund.

8.3 Cancellation within 24 hours of collection: No refund.

8.4 Cancellation on Arrival: If the Customer cancels after the driver has arrived, full charges will apply, including any waiting, handballing, or wasted journey fees.

8.5 If a Self-Employed Driver cancels, the Customer will receive a full refund or the option to rebook at a recalculated rate.

8.6 All refunds are processed through Crown Flex - Online Booking.

9. LIABILITY & INSURANCE

9.1 CrownSDS is not responsible for the performance of delivery services or for loss or damage to goods. The Self-Employed Driver is solely responsible under the Delivery Contract.

9.2 Our liability is limited to proven negligence in booking facilitation or payment processing.

9.3 Neither we nor any Self-Employed Driver shall be liable for indirect, consequential, or business losses.

9.4 Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

9.5 Where applicable, liability is limited to the declared value of the goods or any stated maximum per shipment.

9.6 Each Self-Employed Driver is responsible for their own commercial insurance, tax affairs, National Insurance contributions, and compliance with all applicable laws. CrownSDS has no responsibility for these matters.

10. PROOF OF DELIVERY

10.1 Drivers are required to obtain signature or photographic proof of delivery.

10.2 CrownSDS does not verify the accuracy of proof of delivery but will make any proof collected available via the Booking Service.

11. EXCLUDED OR RESTRICTED GOODS

You must not book the following through Crown Flex - Online Booking:

• Explosives or hazardous goods requiring specialist licensing
• Live animals
• Illegal or prohibited items

If in doubt, contact us before booking.

12. ADDITIONAL CHARGES (WAITING, HANDLING & AMENDMENTS)

12.1 Additional charges may apply, including:

• Waiting Time Charges
• Handling / Handballing Charges

12.2 All additional charges will be communicated to the Customer and must be agreed before the Service proceeds.

12.3 Typical waiting and handballing charges are £30.00 per hour, calculated in 15-minute increments.

12.4 All additional charges shall be charged automatically to the original payment card once agreed by the Customer.

12.5 Changes requested after driver acceptance are subject to revised pricing and Customer confirmation.

12.6 By placing a booking, the Customer expressly authorises CrownSDS to charge any agreed additional charges without requiring a separate payment.

12.7 Where a payment card charge fails, CrownSDS may suspend access and recover outstanding sums through alternative payment methods or debt recovery.

13. CLAIMS

13.1 Claims must be notified in writing within 7 days of delivery or scheduled delivery.

13.2 Legal action must be commenced within 12 months.

14. SELF-EMPLOYED DRIVER STATUS

14.1 Drivers operate as independent subcontractors engaged by CrownSDS.

14.2 Nothing in these terms creates a relationship of employment, worker status, partnership, or agency between CrownSDS and any driver.

14.3 Drivers are free to accept or reject bookings, provide services to third parties, and determine how services are performed.

14.4 CrownSDS does not guarantee any minimum volume of work.

14.5 Drivers are responsible for providing substitutes where permitted by law and under the Delivery Contract.

15. COMPLAINTS

15.1 Complaints relating to Crown Flex or Self-Employed Drivers are handled according to our Complaints Policy.

15.2 We are not obliged to mediate disputes arising under the Delivery Contract.

16. MISCELLANEOUS

16.1 We are not liable for events beyond our reasonable control.

16.2 We may suspend or terminate access for serious breaches.

16.3 Rights and obligations may be transferred with notice.

16.4 These terms are governed by English law.