Distributor & Hub Operations Policy

1. Overview

Distributors (also called Hubs) are trusted partners who receive goods from Transporters, temporarily store them, and hand them over to the next Transporter in a multi‑leg delivery chain. They play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, safety, and continuity of AgroCheckout’s logistics network.

By operating as a Distributor on AgroCheckout, you agree to follow all rules in this policy.

2. Role of a Distributor

Distributors are responsible for:

• Receiving goods from incoming Transporters.
• Temporarily storing goods safely and securely.
• Handing goods over to the next Transporter in the chain.
• Supporting overnight storage when required.
• Maintaining chain‑of‑custody integrity.
• Complying with inspection requests from Buyers, Sellers, or AgroCheckout.

Distributors are not allowed to alter, open, repack, or modify goods unless explicitly instructed by AgroCheckout.

3. Safe & Secure Storage Requirements

Distributors must maintain:

• A secure, lockable storage area.
• Protection from weather, pests, and contamination.
• Adequate lighting for inspections and evidence capture.
• Controlled access to prevent unauthorized handling.
• A clean, organized environment suitable for agricultural goods.

Goods must remain sealed, untampered, and unchanged during storage.

4. Goods‑in‑Storage Protection Fee (Refundable)

To ensure accountability, Distributors must pay a Goods‑in‑Storage Protection Fee, similar to the Transporter deposit.

Fee Rules:

• The fee is displayed before accepting a storage assignment.
• The fee is fully refundable once goods leave the hub in good condition.
• The fee may be partially or fully withheld if:
  • Goods are lost or stolen.
  • Goods are damaged due to negligence.
  • Seals are broken without authorization.
  • Evidence suggests tampering or mishandling.

This ensures Distributors maintain high standards of care.

5. Payment Structure

Distributors are paid based on:

• Weight or volume of goods handled.
• Whether goods require overnight storage.
• Number of handover events completed.
• Additional tasks requested by AgroCheckout (such as inspections).

Payments are automatically calculated and released after successful handover.

6. Mandatory Handover & Receiving Procedures

6.1 When Receiving Goods

Distributors must:

• Verify the seal ID matches the Seller’s and Transporter’s records.
• Confirm the seal is not broken or tampered with.
• Check that the weight and volume match the recorded values.
• Confirm the labeling device (QR code, NFC tag, or barcode) matches system records.
• Capture GPS‑tagged photos or videos of the goods.
• Log the receipt in the AgroCheckout app.

If anything is suspicious, the Distributor must immediately trigger a Tamper‑Alert.

6.2 During Storage

Distributors must:

• Keep goods sealed and untouched.
• Store goods in the designated secure area.
• Prevent unauthorized access.
• Maintain environmental conditions appropriate for the product type.
• Monitor for spoilage or damage and report immediately.

6.3 When Handing Over Goods

Distributors must:

• Verify the identity of the outgoing Transporter.
• Confirm the seal ID still matches the original.
• Confirm weight and labeling devices match system records.
• Capture GPS‑tagged handover evidence.
• Log the handover in the AgroCheckout app.

No goods may be released without proper verification.

7. Compliance With Inspection Requests

Distributors must comply with inspection requests from:

• Buyers.
• Sellers.
• AgroCheckout staff.

Inspection requests may include:

• Taking additional photos or videos.
• Showing seal IDs.
• Showing weight on mechanical scales.
• Providing storage condition details.
• Confirming storage duration.

Failure to comply may result in suspension or removal.

8. Chain‑of‑Custody Responsibilities

Distributors are a critical link in the chain‑of‑custody and must:

• Maintain accurate logs of all receipts and handovers.
• Ensure all evidence is GPS‑tagged.
• Never break seals unless explicitly authorized.
• Report discrepancies immediately.
• Follow all app prompts and verification steps.

Any break in chain‑of‑custody may result in liability.

9. Tamper‑Alert Obligations

If a Distributor notices:

• A broken seal.
• A mismatched seal ID.
• A weight discrepancy.
• A damaged package.
• Signs of substitution or tampering.

They must:

1. Immediately record a GPS‑tagged video.
2. Notify AgroCheckout through the app.
3. Notify the Buyer and Seller.
4. Log the event in the Advert thread.

This protects all parties and ensures transparency.

10. Prohibited Actions

Distributors must never:

• Open goods without authorization.
• Replace or repack goods.
• Change labels or seal IDs.
• Store goods in unsafe or unsecured areas.
• Allow unauthorized persons to handle goods.
• Delay handovers without valid cause.
• Misreport evidence or falsify logs.

Violations may result in permanent removal and legal action.

11. Consequences of Non‑Compliance

Failure to follow this policy may result in:

• Loss of Goods‑in‑Storage Protection Fee.
• Suspension from the platform.
• Permanent removal as a Distributor.
• Reporting to authorities.
• Liability for damages or losses.

AgroCheckout reserves the right to take appropriate action based on evidence, GPS data, and inspection records.