General terms and conditions

1. Scope and contracting party

These terms apply to all transports you book with us via vemo-logistik.de, in your customer account or by quote: VEMO Paket (parcels at the agreed customer price) and VEMO Kurier (transports by size, distance and delivery level). This English version is for information only; the German version is legally binding.

Your contracting party is VEMO Logistik GmbH, Wilhelm-Mauser-Str. 47, 50827 Köln, Cologne local court HRB 113547, represented by its managing directors Paul Schwarzelühr and Jonathan Kümmerle. Our depot: VEMO Depot Bonn, Brühler Str. 30, 53119 Bonn.

In addition, the provisions on contracts of carriage apply (Sections 407 et seq. German Commercial Code, HGB). Differing terms of business customers only apply if we agree to them in writing. Special prices and processes agreed with invoice customers take precedence over these terms.

2. Conclusion of contract

By clicking “Book and pay” you make a binding offer. The contract is concluded when we confirm the booking by email. The price stated in the confirmation applies.

If we cannot calculate a price immediately, you request a quote. The contract is then concluded when you accept our quote within the stated period.

3. Service

• We pick up the shipment at the given address and deliver it to the recipient's address — in Bonn and Cologne, within the delivery area shown when booking.
• Pickup and delivery take place within the booked period (delivery level, time window). Except for the “Direct” level, we may route the shipment through our depot in Bonn.
• We choose the vehicle (cargo bike, heavy-duty cargo bike or electric van) according to size and distance.
• Delivery is made to the front door of the house or flat or to the reception; with “Carrying without a lift” up to the booked floor. Above 40 kg we always come as two; the surcharge is shown in the booking.
• The recipient confirms the handover on the driver's device. You can see the status under Shipment tracking.

4. Your obligations as sender

• Size, weight and addresses must be stated correctly and completely. If the shipment is larger or heavier than booked, we may charge the price for the correct size according to the tariff, or refuse to take it if it does not fit into the vehicle.
• The shipment must be packed so that it is not damaged by normal handling on the bike and in the van and does not endanger anyone. The label (for VEMO Paket) must be clearly visible on every parcel.
• The shipment is ready at the booked pickup time.
• A value of goods above €500 must be stated when booking (extra “Higher goods value”).

5. Excluded goods

We do not carry the following:

• Dangerous goods within the meaning of the ADR, for example explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive or radioactive substances, gas cylinders, petrol, paints and solvents in larger quantities; loose or damaged lithium batteries (they are allowed when built into intact devices);
• Weapons, ammunition and parts thereof, fireworks;
• Narcotics and all goods whose possession or carriage is prohibited;
• Cash, cheques, securities, precious metals, gemstones, jewellery, watches and works of art;
• Live animals as well as human or animal remains;
• Medical samples, infectious substances and medicines that must be refrigerated;
• Goods that must be transported refrigerated or temperature-controlled, unless otherwise agreed in writing;
• Shipments that could endanger or damage people, the vehicle or other shipments, such as leaking liquids or strong-smelling goods.

If you hand over excluded goods, we may refuse or stop the carriage and return the shipment at your expense. You are liable for any damage arising from this.

6. Prices and payment

• The price in the booking confirmation applies. For private customers all prices are final prices including 19% VAT; for business customers VAT is added.
• Invoice: only for approved business customers, collected once a month, payable within the period stated on the invoice.
• SEPA direct debit: We collect the amount after delivery. The invoice also serves as the pre-notification; it arrives at least one working day before the debit. You bear the costs of a returned debit for which you are responsible.
• Prepayment by bank transfer: The amount must be in our account by 6 pm on the working day before pickup. Otherwise the booking lapses at no cost to you. The “Same day” and “Direct” levels cannot be booked with prepayment.
• Surcharges after a failed delivery (section 8) are charged with the final invoice for the transport.

7. Cancellation

You can cancel any booking free of charge until pickup — in your customer account under “Transports” or via our contact form. Once picked up, cancellation is no longer possible.

8. Delivery and failed delivery

If we do not find the recipient or cannot reach the door, we take the shipment to the depot and ask you by email how to proceed:

• New delivery attempt — 50% of the transport price;
• Return to sender — 50% of the transport price;
• Collect it yourself at VEMO Depot Bonn, Brühler Str. 30, within 7 working days — free of charge.

If you do not decide by the stated deadline or nobody collects the shipment from the depot, we return it to the sender (50% of the transport price). If the recipient refuses acceptance or has moved, the shipment goes back to the sender. We attempt delivery at most twice. If the failure was our fault, we deliver again free of charge.

For invoice customers with special prices, the agreed processes apply.

9. Liability

• We are liable for loss of and damage to the shipment from acceptance until delivery in accordance with Sections 425 et seq. HGB, up to a value of goods of €500 per shipment at no extra charge, even if the statutory maximum is lower.
• We only cover a higher value of goods if you state it when booking and pay the surcharge (extra “Higher goods value”), up to a maximum of €5,000 per shipment.
• For delays we are liable up to the amount of the transport price (Section 431 (3) HGB).
• Please report visible damage at handover, non-visible damage within 7 days and delays within 21 days (Section 438 HGB).
• We are liable without limitation for intent and gross negligence and for injury to life, body and health.

10. No right of withdrawal

Even as a consumer you have no right of withdrawal for transports, because the contract provides for a specific date or period for the carriage (Section 312g (2) no. 9 German Civil Code, BGB). You can still cancel free of charge until pickup (section 7).

11. Final provisions

• German law applies. The place of jurisdiction for merchants is Cologne.
• How we process your data is described in our privacy policy.
• We do not take part in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.