Rates get the attention, but the terms are where a transport job makes or loses money. A truck held for three days at an unloading point on a rate that said nothing about detention has given away its margin. These are the terms worth stating, with plain wording you can adapt.
Validity
“Rates are valid for bookings confirmed up to [date] and are subject to revision if diesel prices change materially.”
Vehicle and load
“Rates are for a [vehicle type] carrying up to [weight]. Overloading is not accepted.” For per-tonne rates, add a minimum chargeable weight and say whose weighbridge slip is final.
Free time and detention
“[24] hours free at loading and [24] hours at unloading from the time the vehicle reports. Detention after that at ₹[amount] per day or part of a day.”
Loading and unloading
“Loading and unloading, including labour and equipment, are in the customer’s scope.” If you are arranging hamali, quote it as a separate line.
Tolls, taxes and entry charges
“Rates include tolls on the normal route. State entry charges, green tax and unloading-point charges are extra at actuals.”
Risk and insurance
“Goods are carried at owner’s risk. Transit insurance is to be arranged by the customer. The carrier’s liability is as provided under the Carriage by Road Act, 2007.”
Documents
“The customer will provide the tax invoice and a valid e-way bill before the vehicle leaves the loading point.”
Payment
“[50]% advance at loading. Balance within [7] days of delivery against the signed delivery copy.” For regular parties, state the billing cycle and the credit period.
GST
“Rates are exclusive of GST. GST is payable by the recipient under reverse charge where applicable.” If you have opted for forward charge, say that GST will be added to the bill at the applicable rate. See GST on goods transport.
Cancellation
“If a booked vehicle is cancelled after it has reported for loading, ₹[amount] is payable towards empty running.”
Keep the list short enough that the customer reads it. The quotation tool has separate boxes for what the rate includes, what it excludes and payment terms, so these land in the right place on the page.
These are sample clauses for you to adapt, not legal advice. Have important contracts reviewed by a lawyer.