COGSA 1936: Carriage of Goods by Sea Act - Primary US federal law governing rights and responsibilities between shippers and ocean carriers in international trade

Harter Act 1893: US federal law governing maritime cargo transport, applying to domestic shipments and the period before loading and after discharge for international shipments

Pomerene Act 1916: Federal Bills of Lading Act - Governs bills of lading in interstate and foreign commerce, establishing rules for negotiable instruments

Hague Rules: International convention establishing uniform rules for bills of lading in international trade, forming the basis for COGSA

Hague-Visby Rules: Updated version of Hague Rules with modified liability limits and scope, though not directly adopted by US

Hamburg Rules: Alternative international convention for cargo liability (US is not a signatory but relevant for international trade context)

UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code section governing documents of title, including bills of lading in domestic commerce

UCC Article 2: Uniform Commercial Code section governing sales, relevant for the commercial aspects of shipping transactions

State Maritime Laws: Various state-specific regulations particularly important for inland waterway shipping and local maritime commerce

FMC Regulations: Federal Maritime Commission rules governing tariff filing and service contract requirements for ocean carriers

Customs Regulations 19 CFR: US Customs regulations governing documentation requirements for international shipments and duties

DOT Regulations: Department of Transportation rules governing safety requirements and hazardous materials handling in shipping