Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

The international carriage of goods by road is governed by the provisions of the CMR Convention. More than sixty years later, the application of the convention remains a source of discussion, ranging from the precise division of tasks between the consignor and the road haulier to the concrete application of the questions of liability. A thorough knowledge of current case law is essential for the resolution of CMR-related disputes.

Leeward assists cargo interests, carriers and insurers in all CMR-related issues, from the drafting of a tailor-made transport contract to legal representation before Belgian and foreign courts.

Fines in the event of infringements of the rules on road pricing are high. In the case of non-payment of the kilometre levies and administrative fines, vehicles may be arrested.

Leeward has experience in challenging these levies and fines before the competent tax authorities and courts in Belgium and abroad. 

Through our emergency number, we offer transport companies and their drivers immediate assistance in the event of roadside checks.

In 25% of truck accidents, the cause is due to poorly secured loads and transshipments. Europe obliges Member States to carry out technical inspections at the roadside as well as periodic technical inspections for cargo insurance and transhipment.

Leeward assists transport companies in cargo insurance and transshipment disputes with public authorities and, if necessary, litigates before courts in Belgium and abroad. Our emergency number is open for immediate advice in the event of roadside checks.

The transport of dangerous goods by road involves major risks. For this reason, Europe has developed a comprehensive legislative framework with associated control and sanction mechanisms.

The proliferation of supranational and national regulations today makes it a real challenge for specialised transport companies to keep a clear view of the complex issues at hand.

Leeward advises transport companies on these regulations and their implementation in practice.

Loss of or damage to goods during road transport occurs on a regular basis. An accident, bad stowage or inappropriate loading, incorrect instructions or theft are only some of the causes. In view of the short time-bars fast and adequate action in the event of a claim is a must.

Leeward assists transport companies, cargo interests and insurers in the settlement of these claims and represents these parties before courts in Belgium and abroad.

Increasingly, targeted actions are being organised by government agencies with a view to prosecuting and punishing drivers and their employer-transport company. In addition, the regulations on driving times and rest periods and their implementation by the judiciary change every now and then.

Leeward assists transport companies and their drivers in discussions on driving times and rest periods with the prosecuting authorities and conducts proceedings on this subject before the courts in Belgium and abroad. Through our emergency number, we are available 24/7 to assist transport companies and their drivers in the event of roadside checks.

Access to the market for the carriage of goods by road, the pursuit of the occupation of road haulage operator and cabotage shall be subject to a series of legal conditions.

Non-compliance with the authorisation requirement and the absence of  driver attestations and driver cards can have far-reaching (financial) consequences for the transport undertaking and their drivers.

Leeward advises transport companies on the operational implementation of these regulations and assists drivers and transport companies in proceedings before the courts in Belgium and abroad.

Research into social fraud in the transport sector is currently a priority for the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office and the labour inspectorates. 

Leeward has extensive experience in defending national and international transport companies during a raid by police and other public authorities, seizing lorries and conducting these proceedings before the criminal courts.

Via our 24/7 emergency number, our team is always ready to assist transport companies with the seizure of vehicles or a dawn raid by government services on their business park.

Courier delivery services such as TNT, DHL, GLS, FedEx and UPS are omnipresent in today's logistics world. Whereas such parcel delivery companies were initially mainly active in 'last mile' shipments, they have now become global enterprises. Leeward has particular experience in the field of courier delivery services and helps to shape the legal landscape of these hybrid companies.