Pennsylvania § 7403 - Obligation of bailee to deliver; excuse.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7403 — Obligation of bailee to deliver; excuse., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 7403. Obligation of bailee to deliver; excuse.

(a) Delivery.--A bailee shall deliver the goods to a person entitled under a document of title if the person complies with subsections (b) and (c) unless and to the extent that the bailee establishes any of the following:

(1) delivery of the goods to a person whose receipt was rightful as against the claimant;

(2) damage to or delay, loss or destruction of the goods for which the bailee is not liable;

(3) previous sale or other disposition of the goods in lawful enforcement of a lien or on a warehouse's lawful termination of storage;

(4) the exercise by a seller of its right to stop delivery pursuant to section 2705 (relating to stoppage by seller of delivery in transit or otherwise) or by a lessor of its right to stop delivery pursuant to section 2A526 (relating to lessor's stoppage of delivery in transit or otherwise);

(5) a diversion, reconsignment or other disposition pursuant to section 7303 (relating to diversion; reconsignment; change of instructions);

(6) release, satisfaction or any other personal defense against the claimant; or

(7) any other lawful excuse.

(b) Satisfaction of bailee's lien.--A person claiming goods covered by a document of title shall satisfy the bailee's lien if the bailee so requests or the bailee is prohibited by law from delivering the goods until the charges are paid.

(c) Document.--Unless a person claiming the goods is a person against which the document of title does not confer a right under section 7503(a) (relating to document of title to goods defeated in certain cases):

(1) the person claiming under a document shall surrender possession or control of any outstanding negotiable document covering the goods for cancellation or indication of partial deliveries; and

(2) the bailee shall cancel the document or conspicuously indicate in the document the partial delivery or the bailee liable to any person to which the document is duly negotiated.

Cross References. Section 7403 is referred to in sections 7202, 7209, 7503 of this title.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7403

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7403 cover?

Section 7403 ("Obligation of bailee to deliver; excuse.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 7403?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7403" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 7403 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.