Auto Hauler Exchange, Inc. dba AHX Direct ("AHX", "we," "our," or "us") operates an online technology marketplace (the "Platform") that enables vehicle owners/shippers ("Shippers" or "Sellers") to connect with licensed motor carriers ("Carriers") who independently offer vehicle transportation services.
AHX is not a transportation provider, broker, or freight forwarder. AHX does not sell, offer for sale, negotiate for, or arrange transportation by a motor carrier for compensation, and does not take possession, custody, or control of vehicles.
All transportation services are provided solely by Carriers under their own operating authority and direct contracts with Shippers.
2) Neutral Intermediary; No-Broker Covenant
To maintain compliance with 49 U.S.C. §13102(2) and related regulations, AHX operates as a neutral technology venue:
AHX does not: (a) negotiate shipment rates, (b) select or assign Carriers for Shippers, (c) guarantee delivery timing or condition, (d) assume responsibility for shipment performance or cargo, or (e) hold or receive transportation funds.
AHX provides tools for discovery, messaging, digital contracting, and payment facilitation only.
3) Eligibility & Compliance
Carriers must have valid USDOT and/or MC numbers, operating authority, required insurance, and comply with all applicable laws and safety standards.
Shippers/Sellers must be at least 18 years old and have legal authority over vehicles listed for transport.
Shippers and Carriers contract directly with each other. The transportation agreement must:
Identify the Carrier's legal name and USDOT/MC numbers,
State the Carrier is solely responsible for transport performance, and
Allocate cargo risk, claims, and remedies between Shipper and Carrier.
AHX is not a party to transport agreements.
5) Listings & Content (Shipper = "Seller")
Shippers ("Sellers") may list shipments or lane offers. All information must be truthful, accurate, lawful, non-misleading, and free of third-party IP violations.
License: Sellers grant AHX a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, sublicensable license to host, display, reproduce, distribute, adapt, and promote Seller content and Seller marks for operating and marketing the Platform.
AHX may edit, remove, or restrict content and/or accounts for policy or legal non-compliance.
6) Payments & Fees
Payment Architecture
6.1 Roles & Principles
Transportation charges are owed and paid directly between Shipper and Carrier under their agreement.
AHX charges separate, non-refundable technology/service fees for Platform access and tools. These fees are not broker compensation, are not contingent on shipment completion or pricing, and are independent of transportation rates.
AHX does not take possession of or exercise control over funds designated for transportation services.
6.2 Payment Methods We Support
Custodial FBO Structure (bank partner)
Auto Hauler Exchange dba AHX Direct facilitates payments through a bank partner that provides custodial "For-Benefit-Of" (FBO) accounts for the benefit of users. Each user has a user-owned subaccount; funds are deposited into and disbursed from those subaccounts. AHX does not take possession of, or exercise control over, any funds designated for transportation services. AHX's role is limited to technical facilitation, ledgering, and reconciliation with the bank partner.
Third-Party Payment Processor (pass-through)
AHX may also utilize licensed payment processors to route funds directly from Shipper to Carrier. AHX receives only its separate technology fee from the processor.
Escrow-like holds (if applicable) may be applied by the payment processor or bank partner as fiduciary—not AHX—until completion is confirmed. AHX does not control fiduciary decisions or timing.
6.3 Disclosures, Fees & Changes
Your payment at checkout already includes all AHX platform service fees — there are no additional charges.
Users are responsible for all taxes arising from their transactions.
6.4 Refunds & Payment Disputes
Refunds and payment disputes related to transportation must be resolved between Shipper and Carrier under their contract.
AHX may provide transaction records to assist but does not issue refunds for transportation services.
6.5 Compliance Notice
Carriers certify that they hold proper FMCSA authority and insurance.
Shippers acknowledge AHX does not guarantee Carrier compliance beyond public FMCSA data.
AHX's technology fees do not constitute broker compensation under 49 U.S.C. §13102(2) or 49 CFR §371.2.
To protect the Platform's regulatory posture, users agree not to request or require AHX to:
Set, negotiate, or mandate shipment rates,
Select/assign Carriers or dictate Carrier acceptance/priority,
Assume cargo responsibility, or guarantee pickup/delivery,
Handle claims between Shipper and Carrier.
Support interactions, website copy, and user communications should reinforce the direct Shipper–Carrier contracting model.
8) AI & Automated Systems
Disclosure: Clearly identify AI-generated content when used for listings or communications.
Responsibility: Users remain fully responsible for accuracy, legality, and compliance of AI-assisted content.
Prohibitions: No deepfakes, false capacity/availability, fabricated reviews, price manipulation, impersonation, or spam.
Privacy/IP: Do not train models on customer data without lawful consent; avoid IP infringement.
Audit: AHX may review/audit AI usage for safety and compliance.
9) Disputes Between Shipper & Carrier
All disputes, claims, loss/damage issues, and chargebacks relating to transportation are Shipper–Carrier matters. AHX may facilitate communication but is not a mediator or arbitrator and has no duty to resolve such disputes.
10) Warranty Disclaimer
The Platform (and any related services, software, content, or data) is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE." AHX disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement, and error-free or uninterrupted operation.
11) Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHX and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, or for lost profits, data, or business. AHX's aggregate liability to any user shall not exceed the total AHX technology/service fees paid by that user in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to liability.
12) Indemnification
Users shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless AHX, its affiliates, and their directors, officers, employees, and agents from any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to: (a) the user's breach of these Terms or applicable law; (b) transportation services performed or not performed under a Shipper–Carrier contract; (c) content (including AI-assisted content) the user provides; or (d) taxes and regulatory obligations of the user.
13) Term; Suspension; Termination
These Terms apply while you access or use the Platform. AHX may suspend or terminate any account or access at any time for violations, fraud, or non-payment. Users may close accounts at will. Upon termination, all fees owed to AHX are immediately due. Sections that by nature should survive (e.g., IP licenses, fees, disclaimers, limits of liability, indemnity, governing law) survive termination.
14) Governing Law; Venue
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, excluding conflicts principles. The state and federal courts in Oakland County, Michigan have exclusive jurisdiction and venue.
15) Notices
Auto Hauler Exchange, Inc. 303 East 3rd Street, Suite 200, Rochester, MI 48307 Email: support@autohaulerx.com