COGSA: Carriage of Goods by Sea Act - Primary US federal law governing rights and responsibilities between shippers and ocean carriers in international ocean transport
Harter Act: US federal statute that governs the rights and duties of maritime carriers and shippers for domestic shipments and the period before loading and after discharge for international shipments
Federal Bills of Lading Act: Also known as Pomerene Act - Governs negotiable bills of lading in interstate and foreign commerce, establishing rules for negotiation and transfer of bills of lading
Shipping Act of 1984: Federal maritime law governing ocean shipping practices, requiring carriers to file tariffs and establishing regulations for common carriers and ports
Hague Rules: International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading - Sets international standards for ocean carrier's liability
Hague-Visby Rules: Amendment to Hague Rules with updated liability limits and provisions - While not ratified by US, relevant for international shipments
Hamburg Rules: UN Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea - Provides alternative liability regime to Hague/Hague-Visby Rules, though US is not a signatory
UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code Article on Documents of Title - Governs bills of lading and warehouse receipts in domestic commerce
UCC Article 2: Uniform Commercial Code Article on Sales - Relevant for sales contracts involving bills of lading and title transfer
FMC Regulations: Federal Maritime Commission regulations governing ocean transportation intermediaries and carrier practices
CBP Requirements: US Customs and Border Protection requirements for documentation and reporting in international shipping
DOT Regulations: Department of Transportation regulations governing safety and operational aspects of cargo transportation
State Commercial Codes: State-specific variations and implementations of commercial laws affecting bills of lading
Carrier Liability Limitations: Legal provisions limiting carrier's liability for cargo damage or loss, including monetary limits and time bars
Notice Requirements: Mandatory timeframes and procedures for providing notice of claims or damages under the bill of lading
Jurisdiction Provisions: Clauses specifying which courts have jurisdiction over disputes and which law applies
Force Majeure: Provisions addressing circumstances beyond parties' control that may affect performance of shipping obligations
Himalaya Clause: Provisions extending carrier's protections and limitations of liability to third parties such as stevedores and terminal operators
