Interstate Commerce Act: Primary federal law governing railroad transportation and commerce in the United States, establishing basic regulatory framework for rail transport

Carmack Amendment: 49 U.S.C. ยง 11706 - Establishes uniform liability standards for interstate carriers and freight claims, defining carrier liability for loss, damage, and delay

Federal Bills of Lading Act: 49 U.S.C. ยง 80101-80116 - Governs the issuance and transfer of bills of lading in interstate commerce, including negotiability and document requirements

Surface Transportation Board Regulations: Federal agency regulations overseeing rail carriers, including rates, services, and operational requirements

UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code provisions governing documents of title, including bills of lading, their issuance, negotiation, and transfer rights

State Transportation Regulations: State-specific rules governing intrastate transportation and additional requirements for rail carriers operating within state boundaries

COTIF: Convention Concerning International Carriage by Rail - International treaty governing rail transport between member states

CIM Rules: Uniform Rules Concerning the Contract for International Carriage of Goods by Rail - Standardized rules for international rail freight contracts

Carrier Liability Provisions: Legal requirements defining the scope and limitations of carrier responsibility for cargo during transport

Notice Requirements: Mandatory timeframes and procedures for providing notice of claims, damages, or other transportation-related issues

Claims Time Limitations: Statutory periods for filing claims related to loss, damage, or delay in rail transportation

Content Requirements: Mandatory information that must be included in a rail bill of lading, including cargo description, parties, and routing information