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46 U.S.C. 30704: Loading, stowage, custody, care, and deliveryText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 307-LIABILITY OF WATER CARRIERS

§30704. Loading, stowage, custody, care, and delivery

A carrier may not insert in a bill of lading or shipping document a provision avoiding its liability for loss or damage arising from negligence or fault in loading, stowage, custody, care, or proper delivery. Any such provision is void.

( Pub. L. 109–304, § 6(c) , Oct. 6, 2006 , 120 Stat. 1516 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

30704

46 App.:190.

Feb. 13, 1893, ch. 105, § 1, 27 Stat. 445.

The words “transporting merchandise or property from or between ports of the United States and foreign ports” are omitted because of section 30702(a) of the revised title. The words “may not” are substituted for “It shall not be lawful . . . to”, and the word “provision” is substituted for “clause, covenant, or agreement”, to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “any and all lawful” and “committed to its or their charge” are omitted as unnecessary. The words “Any such provision is void” are substituted for “Any and all words or clauses of such import inserted in bills of lading or shipping receipts shall be null and void and of no effect” to eliminate unnecessary words.