1. Legal Framework
Electronic signatures and electronic agreements on The Carrier Hub Platform are legally valid and enforceable under the following legislation:
- Electronic Communications Act 2000 (UK) -- establishes the legal validity of electronic signatures and electronic contracts in the United Kingdom
- eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 -- as retained in UK law post-Brexit, provides the framework for electronic identification and trust services
- Electronic Signatures Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/318) -- implements the EU Electronic Signatures Directive in UK law
- Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 -- governs the execution of contracts in England and Wales
2. How Electronic Signatures Are Used on the Platform
The following actions on the Platform constitute legally binding electronic signatures or agreements:
| Action | Legal Effect |
|---|---|
| Ticking "I agree to the Terms and Conditions" during registration | Binding acceptance of the Agreement |
| Submitting a Bid on a Load | Binding offer to carry goods at the stated price |
| Accepting a Bid (Shipper) | Binding acceptance of the carriage contract |
| Completing Stripe checkout payment | Authorisation of payment and release schedule |
| Uploading a Proof of Delivery | Electronic confirmation of delivery completion |
| Digital signature on generated invoices | Legally valid invoice under HMRC self-billing rules |
3. Record Keeping
The Platform maintains a complete audit trail of all electronically signed actions, including:
- Timestamp (UTC) of each action
- User account identifier and verified email address
- IP address at time of action
- Action type and associated data
These records are retained for 7 years in accordance with HMRC requirements and are available to law enforcement and regulatory authorities upon lawful request.
4. Self-Billing Arrangement
Invoices generated by the Platform operate under a self-billing arrangement in accordance with HMRC VAT Notice 700/62. Under this arrangement, The Carrier Hub generates invoices on behalf of Carriers for each completed job. Carriers consent to this arrangement upon registration. Self-billed invoices are legally valid VAT invoices where the Carrier is VAT-registered.
5. Validity of Agreements
Agreements formed electronically through the Platform have the same legal force as agreements signed in wet ink. Courts in England and Wales have consistently upheld the validity of electronic contracts. If you have concerns about the enforceability of a specific agreement, you should seek independent legal advice.
Legal Disclaimer: This document is provided for informational purposes. The Carrier Hub Ltd recommends that you seek independent legal advice if you have questions about your rights and obligations.