Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:

“TVMC”, “we”, “us”, “our” refers to The Van Man Co, a booking and marketing platform connecting customers with independent transport providers.

“Customer”, “you”, “your” refers to any individual or business using the TVMC website to obtain a quote or make a booking.

“Driver”, “Service Provider”, “Independent Contractor” refers to the self-employed van driver or removal operator who accepts and fulfils a booking.

“Service” refers to transport, removals, deliveries or related services carried out by a Driver.

“Platform” refers to the TVMC website, booking system, calculator and associated tools.

“Booking” refers to a request for a Service submitted through the Platform and secured by payment of a deposit.

“Reassignment” refers to the allocation of a Booking to a different Driver from the one initially selected, in accordance with Section 4.

2. Nature of TVMC’s Service

2.1 Booking & Introduction Platform Only

TVMC operates solely as an introduction, booking and marketing platform.

We:

• introduce Customers to independent Drivers,
• provide an online quotation and booking system,
• facilitate deposit payments on behalf of Drivers.

TVMC does not:

• provide transport or removal services,
• employ Drivers,
• supervise, control or manage Drivers,
• accept responsibility for how a Service is carried out.

2.2 Independent Contractor Relationship

All Drivers listed on TVMC are independent contractors, not employees, agents, partners or representatives of TVMC.

Each Driver operates:

• their own vehicle(s),
• their own business,
• under their own insurance,
• at their own risk and responsibility.

3. Contractual Relationship

3.1 Contract With the Driver

When you make a Booking through TVMC:

• your contract for the Service is directly with the Driver, not with TVMC,
• TVMC is not a party to the transport or removal contract,
• any service-related issues must be resolved between you and the Driver.

3.2 TVMC’s Limited Role

TVMC’s role is limited to:

• displaying driver information,
• facilitating booking communication,
• collecting a commission/deposit for platform use.

4. Driver Allocation & Reassignment

4.1 Driver Selection Is a Request, Not a Guarantee

When making a Booking you may select a specific Driver. Because all Drivers are independent contractors who control their own availability, your selection is a request to that Driver. It does not guarantee that they will accept, confirm, or be available to carry out the Service. TVMC does not guarantee that any particular Driver will be allocated to your Booking.

4.2 Reassignment of Bookings

A selected Driver may become unresponsive, unavailable, or unable to fulfil a Booking. This can happen for reasons including illness, vehicle breakdown, a scheduling conflict, or a failure to confirm the Booking within a reasonable time.

Where this occurs, you agree that TVMC may reassign your Booking to another Driver on the Platform. In doing so, we will endeavour to:

• secure a replacement Driver as soon as reasonably possible,
• allocate a Driver operating a vehicle of the van size you selected, or larger (never smaller),
• fulfil the Booking on the date and at the time originally agreed,
• notify you of the change before the Service is carried out.

4.3 Effect of Reassignment

Where a Booking is reassigned:

• your contract for the Service is with the replacement Driver,
• the price quoted to you will not increase as a result of the Reassignment,
• your deposit remains valid and is applied to the reassigned Booking,
• the Reassignment does not constitute a cancellation by TVMC.

All other terms of these Terms and Conditions, including Sections 5 (Insurance & Liability) and 10 (Limitation of Liability), apply to the replacement Driver in the same way.

4.4 Your Right to Cancel Following Reassignment

If you do not wish to proceed with a replacement Driver, you may cancel the Booking by notifying TVMC promptly after being informed of the Reassignment and before the Service commences. In that event you will receive a full refund of the deposit paid to TVMC.

4.5 Where No Driver Can Be Secured

If TVMC is unable to secure a suitable Driver for your Booking, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and refund in full any deposit paid to TVMC.

Save for that refund, TVMC accepts no liability for any loss, cost or inconvenience arising from a Reassignment, a delay in Reassignment, or an inability to secure a Driver.

5. Insurance & Liability

5.1 Driver Insurance Responsibility

All insurance obligations lie solely with the Driver.

Each Driver is fully responsible for maintaining appropriate and valid:

• motor insurance,
• goods-in-transit insurance,
• public liability insurance,
• employer’s liability insurance (where applicable).

5.2 No Insurance Provided by TVMC

TVMC:

• does not provide insurance of any kind,
• does not insure goods, property, vehicles, persons or premises,
• makes no guarantees regarding the adequacy of a Driver’s insurance.

Customers are strongly advised to:

• confirm insurance coverage directly with the Driver,
• arrange their own additional insurance if required.

5.3 Liability for Loss or Damage

TVMC accepts no liability whatsoever for:

• loss of or damage to goods,
• theft,
• delay,
• injury to persons,
• property damage,
• indirect or consequential losses.

All liability arising from the Service rests entirely with the Driver.

6. Customer Responsibilities

You agree to:

• provide accurate booking information,
• ensure goods are legal, safe and properly packed unless otherwise agreed,
• disclose any access restrictions, heavy items or special requirements,
• ensure parking permissions where required.

TVMC is not responsible for additional charges or delays caused by inaccurate information.

7. Payments & Deposits

7.1 Deposit Payments

A deposit (typically 20%) is paid via the TVMC platform to secure a Booking. This deposit represents TVMC’s commission and booking fee.

7.2 Balance Payments

The remaining balance is paid directly to the Driver. TVMC does not handle or control the final payment.

7.3 Pricing Estimates

All prices shown are estimates only and may change based on:

• time taken,
• access conditions,
• additional items,
• changes to the booking details.

8. Cancellations & Refunds

8.1 Customer Cancellations

Cancellation terms may vary by Driver. TVMC’s booking fee/deposit may be non-refundable or partially refundable, depending on the notice given and the circumstances.

8.2 Driver Cancellations

If a Driver cancels or becomes unavailable, TVMC will first seek to reassign the Booking in accordance with Section 4.

Where Reassignment is not possible, or where you exercise your right to cancel under Section 4.4, TVMC will refund the deposit in full.

9. Complaints & Disputes

9.1 Service Complaints

Any complaint relating to:

• service quality,
• damage,
• behaviour,
• delays,

must be taken up directly with the Driver, as they are solely responsible for the Service.

9.2 TVMC Platform Issues

Complaints relating only to:

• booking errors,
• payment processing,
• driver allocation or Reassignment,
• website functionality,

may be directed to TVMC.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• TVMC’s total liability is limited to the amount of the booking fee paid,
• TVMC shall not be liable for indirect, incidental or consequential losses.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for fraud, for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or for any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

11. Driver Listings & Accuracy

Driver profiles are provided for informational purposes. Availability, experience and coverage may change.

TVMC does not guarantee that any particular Driver will accept or complete a Booking. Bookings may be reassigned to an alternative Driver in accordance with Section 4.

12. Use of the Website

You agree not to:

• misuse the platform,
• provide false information,
• attempt to bypass the booking system,
• use the website for unlawful purposes.

TVMC reserves the right to suspend or refuse access.

13. Data Protection

Personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR regulations.

14. Amendments

TVMC may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the latest version.

15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

16. Contact Details

The Van Man Co
info@thevanmanco.co.uk