Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA): Primary U.S. federal law governing the rights and responsibilities between shippers and carriers in international ocean transport. Sets liability limits and requirements for ocean bills of lading.

Harter Act: U.S. federal law that governs domestic shipments and the period before loading and after discharge for international shipments. Regulates duties for proper loading and discharge of cargo.

Federal Bills of Lading Act (Pomerene Act): Governs the negotiability of bills of lading in interstate and foreign commerce, establishing rules for transfer and negotiation of bills of lading.

Shipping Act of 1984: Regulates ocean shipping and requires carriers to establish, observe, and enforce just and reasonable regulations and practices relating to cargo transport.

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. Though US is not a signatory, relevant for international shipping and commonly referenced in international trade.

UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code article governing documents of title, including bills of lading, in domestic commerce. Establishes rules for issuing and transferring documents.

State Maritime Laws: Specific maritime regulations that vary by state, affecting operations in state ports and waters.

Liability Limitations: Legal provisions limiting carrier liability for cargo damage or loss, usually based on package or weight limitations under COGSA.

Notice Requirements: Mandatory timeframes and procedures for providing notice of loss or damage to cargo under various applicable laws.

Claims Time Limits: Statutory periods within which claims must be filed for cargo damage or loss, varying by applicable law and jurisdiction.

Cargo Description Requirements: Legal requirements for accurate and complete description of goods in the bill of lading as per federal and international regulations.

Jurisdiction and Venue Provisions: Legal requirements regarding choice of law and forum selection clauses in bills of lading under US federal maritime law.

Force Majeure Requirements: Legal provisions governing circumstances beyond carrier control that may affect performance of the contract of carriage.