# duty of care

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> The moment a carrier or freight forwarder accepts cargo, the duty of care attaches.

The moment a carrier or freight forwarder accepts cargo, the duty of care attaches. It requires goods to be handled with the diligence a prudent operator would apply to its own property: correct packing and handling, complete and accurate documentation, compliant storage, adherence to hazardous materials and customs regulations, and on-time delivery. The duty is not absolute—liability arises only where a breach is negligent or grossly negligent. In freight liability disputes, the duty of care is the primary standard against which conduct is measured; a party that demonstrably met this standard will generally escape damages claims. The benchmark is set by industry norms and the specific terms of the transport contract in question.

**Source:** [https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Sorgfaltspflicht](https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Sorgfaltspflicht)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | duty of care |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 113 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Sorgfaltspflicht |

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