Define: Carriage Of Goods By Sea Act

The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) is a federal law in the United States that governs the rights and responsibilities of parties involved in the transportation of goods by sea.

COGSA applies to both domestic and international shipments of goods by sea, as long as the bill of lading or other shipping document is issued in the United States.

COGSA covers various aspects of the carriage of goods by sea, including the carrier’s liability for loss or damage to the goods, the obligations of the shipper, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

The carrier’s liability under COGSA is generally limited to $500 per package or customary freight unit, unless the shipper declares a higher value and pays an additional fee.

Yes, the carrier can limit its liability under COGSA by including specific provisions in the bill of lading or other shipping document, as long as they are reasonable and not contrary to public policy.

The shipper has various obligations under COGSA, including properly packaging the goods, providing accurate information to the carrier, and paying the agreed-upon freight charges.

Yes, the carrier has the right to refuse the transportation of certain types of goods that are considered dangerous or hazardous, as long as they provide a valid reason for the refusal.

Yes, the parties can agree to terms that deviate from COGSA, as long as the contract is clear and unambiguous, and the agreed-upon terms do not violate any other laws or regulations.

Yes, there are several international conventions, such as the Hague-Visby Rules and the Rotterdam Rules, that govern the carriage of goods by sea in many countries. However, COGSA remains the primary law in the United States.