For GVM Europe Kft., fair business conduct is based on responsible decision-making, transparent cooperation and respect for people. This code of ethics summarises these expectations in the context of transport, freight forwarding and related services.
1. Purpose and application of the code
The code provides guidance on how the Company’s managers and employees are expected to conduct themselves. We also expect our business partners and service providers to cooperate in a manner consistent with the principles set out here.
Partners’ specific contractual obligations are set out in the relevant agreement. The code does not replace legislation, contracts or the professional and safety rules that apply to work.
2. Fair business conduct
In our dealings with others, we provide information that is true, accurate and needed for decision-making. We do not make misleading statements about our services, capacities, authorisations or insurance cover.
In our offers and orders we clearly set out the tasks undertaken, the fees and the essential terms of performance. We give timely notice of obstacles affecting performance, expected deviations and additional costs.
We do not promise any deadline or service without sound professional grounds for believing that it can be delivered.
3. Rejection of corruption and undue advantages
We do not offer, request or accept any money, gift, service or other advantage intended to improperly influence a business or official decision.
This principle also applies to advantages provided through an intermediary or other third party.
Business gifts or hospitality may be accepted only if they are occasional, of reasonable value and transparent, and do not jeopardise impartial decision-making. Cash and cash equivalents may not be accepted.
If in doubt, consult management before accepting a gift or invitation.
4. Managing conflicts of interest
Business decisions are made on the basis of the professional considerations of the Company and of the cooperation concerned.
Employees must disclose any personal, family or financial interest that could influence their decisions or call their impartiality into question.
Until the conflict of interest has been resolved, the person concerned may not take decisions in the matter on their own. The handling of the situation and the measures taken must be documented.
5. Fair competition
We do not coordinate prices, the allocation of customers, market sharing or bidding behaviour with our competitors.
We do not request or use unlawfully obtained trade secrets. We communicate objectively about the services of other businesses and do not spread misleading or unfounded statements.
In selecting partners, we consider professional suitability, reliability, safety and the terms of cooperation.
6. Human dignity and working environment
We treat everyone we work with respectfully, regardless of their position, origin, sex, age, religion, disability or any other personal characteristic.
We do not accept harassment, intimidation, degrading treatment or discrimination. We reject forced labour, human trafficking and unlawful child labour.
Professional disagreements are dealt with without personal attacks, focusing on solving the problem.
7. Safety and responsible performance
The safety of employees, service providers and road users must not be subordinated to deadlines or business pressure.
We do not give any instruction that would require a breach of driving and rest period rules, permissible load limits, load securing requirements or other safety regulations.
In a dangerous situation, the work process concerned must be interrupted safely and the responsible manager must be notified without delay. Accidents, incidents causing loss or damage, and material performance failures must not be concealed.
8. Confidential information and personal data
We use the data of customers, partners and employees only for justified business purposes and with appropriate authorisation.
We do not disclose business documents, shipment data or personal data to unauthorised persons. Access and data transfers are limited to what is necessary to perform the task.
Confidential information or personal data may be uploaded to an external digital service, including an artificial intelligence tool, only under conditions verified in advance and with appropriate authorisation.
Any suspected data loss, misaddressed communication or unauthorised access must be reported to the responsible manager without delay.
9. Accurate records and accounting
Transport documents, certificates of performance, invoices and internal records must reflect actual events.
It is prohibited to falsify documents, record untrue data or deliberately withhold material circumstances.
Errors are corrected in a traceable manner. We make declarations or issue certificates on behalf of others only with appropriate authority.
10. Environmental responsibility
When organising our services, we seek to reduce unnecessary transport movements, empty running and waste of resources, taking safety and performance requirements into account.
We make only verifiable statements about our environmental performance. Without well-founded evidence, we do not describe any service as carbon-neutral, emission-free or otherwise demonstrably sustainable.
11. Raising ethical concerns
Ethical concerns, suspected breaches of the rules or conflicts of interest may be reported to the direct line manager or to the Company’s management.
External partners can contact us at info@gvmeurope.hu or by telephone on +36 57 405 250. In confidential matters, please initially provide only the nature of the matter and the contact details needed for a secure response.
If the report concerns the direct line manager, it must be submitted to another manager who is not involved in the matter.
Retaliation against a person who makes a report in good faith is not acceptable, even if the investigation does not confirm the suspected breach. However, a deliberately false report is itself a breach of the code.
Reports are handled with care and with respect for the rights of those concerned. Access to the information is limited to those who need it to investigate the matter.
This general ethics contact point does not replace the internal whistleblowing system required by law.
12. Enforcement and review of the code
Managers are responsible for communicating ethical expectations, setting an example and properly addressing any concerns raised.
A suspected breach must be assessed after clarifying the circumstances and hearing the person concerned. Any measure required must be proportionate to the conduct established and its consequences.
Employment-law or contractual consequences may be applied only within the framework of the applicable law and the relevant agreement.
The code must be reviewed in the event of changes in the Company’s operations, a significant ethical incident or new requirements. An amendment to this document does not in itself amend existing contracts.