Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA): Federal law governing rights and responsibilities between shippers and ocean carriers in international ocean transport to/from US ports.
Federal Bills of Lading Act (Pomerene Act): Federal law regulating bills of lading in foreign and interstate commerce, establishing rules for negotiable bills of lading.
Interstate Commerce Act: Federal law regulating interstate transportation and commerce, including requirements for carriers and shipping documentation.
Harter Act: Federal maritime law governing carrier liability in shipping contracts and bills of lading for voyages between US ports.
Shipping Act of 1984: Federal law establishing regulations for ocean shipping, including requirements for documentation and carrier responsibilities.
Hague Rules: International convention establishing uniform rules for bills of lading in international trade.
Hague-Visby Rules: Updated version of Hague Rules with modified liability limits and expanded scope of application.
Hamburg Rules: Alternative international convention governing carriage of goods by sea, though not adopted by the United States.
Rotterdam Rules: Modern international convention addressing electronic commerce in maritime transport (pending ratification).
UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code Article governing documents of title, including bills of lading, as adopted by individual states.
FMCSA Regulations: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules governing motor carrier transportation and documentation requirements.
Surface Transportation Board Requirements: Federal agency regulations governing rail and surface transportation documentation and procedures.
Federal Maritime Commission Regulations: Maritime regulations governing ocean transportation and shipping documentation requirements.
Homeland Security Requirements: Security-related documentation and procedures required for shipping within and to/from the United States.
Customs Regulations: Federal requirements for documentation and procedures related to import/export shipping and customs clearance.
Electronic Documentation Requirements: Federal and industry standards for electronic bills of lading and related shipping documentation.
