Legal

Shipping Rules & Liability

Last Updated: September 2026. What can move, how it must be packed, and how coverage works when something goes wrong. This page is the single source of truth for prohibited and restricted items; any educational guidance elsewhere on ShipAxis AI is subordinate to it.

These shipping rules apply to shipments arranged with ShipAxis. All shipments are also governed by the selected carrier's tariff and terms of service. If there are inconsistencies, the carrier's rules and prevailing law will control. Please read carefully to understand your obligations, coverage, and limitations. For legal advice, consult with your attorney.

1. Prohibited Items

You may not ship the following items under any circumstances:

  • Explosives, fireworks, or ammunition
  • Compressed gases, aerosols, and flammable liquids or solids, except where the selected carrier expressly accepts them as a properly declared, correctly packaged limited-quantity or ground-only shipment — see Restricted Items below
  • Loose lithium batteries (not installed in devices) or recalled batteries
  • Illegal drugs or controlled substances, and any related paraphernalia
  • Cash, bullion, precious stones, or negotiable instruments
  • Live animals
  • Human or animal remains
  • Hazardous waste or radioactive material
  • Items prohibited by law in the origin or destination country

2. Restricted Items

These items may only be shipped in strict compliance with carrier policies, applicable law, and additional requirements:

  • Alcohol: Only by licensed shippers, with adult signature required. Alcohol shipments may be prohibited or restricted by destination country/state law.
  • Aerosols, perfume and other flammables: Only where the selected carrier and your account expressly accept them, under limited-quantity handling, ground-only routing, and the carrier's marking, declaration and packaging specifications. Otherwise they are prohibited.
  • Perishable goods: Must be packed for the full transit time and labeled appropriately; spoilage risk remains solely with shipper.
  • Dry ice: Only where the selected carrier and service accept it, with the required quantity marking, venting, declaration and any air or international restrictions that apply under carrier rules and applicable law.
  • Firearm parts: Permitted only where legal and with proper documentation. No shipment of entire firearms unless legally and carrier-approved.
  • Fragile/High-value items: Must be reinforced, cushioned, clearly marked, and declared for value at time of booking; shipment is at your risk without proper packaging or declaration.
  • Batteries in devices: Must be properly labeled, declared, and comply with all shipping laws and carrier rules (especially for air and international).
  • Jewelry, watches, fine art, antiques, and collectibles: Must be declared and may be subject to value limits depending on carrier or destination. Some carriers exclude these categories from any coverage if not declared.
  • Medical devices and pharmaceuticals: Must comply with all applicable export, import, and health regulations.

3. Packaging Requirements

  • Use rigid, new, undamaged boxes suitable for the contents and shipping method.
  • Cushion all sides of the package, immobilize contents, and seal all seams with strong packing tape.
  • Remove any previous shipping labels or barcodes from reused containers.
  • Carrier may reject or withhold coverage on inadequately packed items.

4. Declared Value & Insurance

  • Standard carrier liability is limited as per their tariff and will only compensate for proven damage up to that limit unless a higher declared value is purchased at booking.
  • Declaring value is not the same as insurance: Carrier liability is subject to exclusions and limits. For higher value, fragile, or irreplaceable goods, consider purchasing additional third-party shipping insurance through ShipAxis (where available) or independently.
  • If you do not declare value or purchase insurance, unrecoverable losses are your responsibility.

5. Claims

  • Claims involving loss, damage, delay, non-delivery, or carrier service issues must be submitted and managed directly with the applicable carrier. Carrier terms, filing deadlines, coverage limitations, and documentation requirements apply.
  • ShipAxis does not adjudicate carrier claims, determine claim eligibility, guarantee reimbursement, or assume responsibility for a carrier's approval, denial, payment, handling, or resolution of a claim.
  • Where available, ShipAxis may provide shipment records or transaction information reasonably necessary for the customer to communicate with the applicable carrier.
  • Retain damaged packaging, cushioning and goods for inspection, and keep proof of value. Claims resulting from failure to comply with carrier rules, inadequate packaging, or late reporting are typically denied by the carrier.

6. International Shipments

  • You are responsible for ensuring compliance with all export/import laws, sanctions, documentation requirements (commercial invoice, export declarations, etc.), and customs regulations of the sending and receiving countries.
  • Customs duties, taxes, brokerage, and surcharges are the obligation of the recipient unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • Certain items (including electronics, software, controlled or dual-use goods, etc.) may require special licenses or be completely prohibited to some countries.
  • Delays due to customs processing are not covered by standard carrier delivery guarantees or ShipAxis liability.
  • ShipAxis cannot provide legal, customs, or tax advice. Direct questions to your own counsel or qualified import/export advisor.

7. Liability Limits

  • ShipAxis acts solely as a shipping facilitator, not as the carrier of record.
  • All losses, damages, or delays are subject to the applicable carrier's declared value or insurance, and recovery is limited to amounts actually received from the carrier or insurer — ShipAxis is not liable for any amount beyond that.
  • ShipAxis assumes no liability for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, lost profits, or regulatory fines.

8. Inspections, Refusals, And Penalties

  • Carriers, customs, or authorities may open and inspect shipments at any time and may hold, refuse, return, or dispose of items found non-compliant, hazardous, restricted, or prohibited.
  • Any costs, fines, or damages resulting from violations of these rules or applicable law are solely the responsibility of the sender/shipper.

9. Shipper's Responsibility

  • It is your responsibility to check laws and rules for both origin and destination before shipping.
  • Provide accurate, complete descriptions and documentation for all contents.
  • Obtain necessary licenses, registrations, and permits for controlled items and international shipments.

10. Disclaimer & Legal Notice

  • This summary is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not override the carrier tariff, insurance policy, or applicable law.
  • ShipAxis does not provide legal, tax, customs, or insurance advice. Consult your attorney or advisor before shipping if you have any legal, regulatory, or coverage questions.

Questions About Shipping Rules?

For support questions, contact ship@goshipaxis.com. For legal questions, consult your attorney.

© 2026 Axis Logistics Holdings LLC, DBA ShipAxis. All rights reserved.