Article 17. Fee for cargo transportation

The fee for cargo transportation is paid by the consignor or freight forwarder prior to the moment of dispatch, unless otherwise provided for by the cargo transportation contract. Payment for additional work and services related to the transportation and delivery of cargo performed at the request of the consignor, consignee, or freight forwarder is carried out in accordance with the agreement of the parties.

The fee for cargo transportation is collected based on the calculation for the shortest distance over which the cargo transportation is carried out.

The determination of the shortest distance for the transportation of large-sized (out-of-gauge) and heavy cargo is carried out taking into account the technical capabilities and capacity of public railway tracks for the transportation of such cargo.

Public railway transport enterprises and the carrier have the right to retain the cargo transferred to them for transportation for the purpose of ensuring the fee for cargo transportation and other due payments.

The public railway transport enterprise or the carrier, in the presence of a debt for transportation by the consignor, consignee, or freight forwarder, as well as in the case of untimely payment, may subsequently refuse to conclude a transportation contract until the debt is settled.

Upon performing the actions provided for in part five of this Article, the guilty party (consignor, consignee, or freight forwarder) shall pay the railway transport enterprise or the carrier a fee for the use of cars and containers for the entire period of delay.