COGSA: Carriage of Goods by Sea Act - Primary US federal law governing rights and responsibilities between shippers and ocean carriers in international ocean transport
Pomerene Act: Federal Bills of Lading Act that governs the rights and liabilities of parties dealing with negotiable bills of lading in foreign and interstate commerce
Harter Act: US federal law that regulates maritime contracts and carrier liability, particularly applicable to domestic shipping and periods before loading and after discharge
Interstate Commerce Act: Federal law governing interstate transportation and commerce, including provisions affecting bills of lading for domestic shipments
Shipping Act 1984: Federal law governing ocean shipping practices, including requirements for documentation and fair practices in international ocean commerce
Hague Rules: International convention establishing uniform rules for bills of lading in international trade, setting minimum standards for carrier liability
Hague-Visby Rules: Updated version of Hague Rules with modified liability limits - while not ratified by US, relevant for international shipments
Hamburg Rules: Alternative international convention on carriage of goods by sea - not ratified by US but relevant for international trade relationships
UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code Article governing documents of title, including bills of lading, as adopted by individual states
FMC Regulations: Federal Maritime Commission regulations governing ocean transportation intermediaries and carrier practices
CBP Requirements: U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements for documentation and reporting in international shipping
DOT Regulations: Department of Transportation regulations affecting transportation documentation and safety requirements
