Us Code § 13304 - Service of process in court proceedings

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 13304 — Service of process in court proceedings, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13304. Service of process in court proceedings

(a) Designation of Agent.—A motor carrier or broker providing transportation subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135, including a motor carrier or broker operating within the United States while providing transportation between places in a foreign country or between a place in one foreign country and a place in another foreign country, shall designate an agent in each State in which it operates by name and post office address on whom process issued by a court with subject matter jurisdiction may be served in an action brought against that carrier or broker. The designation shall be in writing and filed with the Department of Transportation and each State in which the carrier operates may require that an additional designation be filed with it. If a designation under this subsection is not made, service may be made on any agent of the carrier or broker within that State.

(b) Change.—A designation under this section may be changed at any time in the same manner as originally made.

(Added Pub. L. 104–88, title I, §103, Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 858.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 10330 of this title prior to the general amendment of this subtitle by Pub. L. 104–88, §102(a).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 1, 1996, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.

CHAPTER 135—JURISDICTION

SUBCHAPTER I—MOTOR CARRIER TRANSPORTATION

Sec.
13501.
General jurisdiction.
13502.
Exempt transportation between Alaska and other States.
13503.
Exempt motor vehicle transportation in terminal areas.
13504.
Exempt motor carrier transportation entirely in one State.
13505.
Transportation furthering a primary business.
13506.
Miscellaneous motor carrier transportation exemptions.
13507.
Mixed loads of regulated and unregulated property.
13508.
Limited authority over cooperative associations.

        

SUBCHAPTER II—WATER CARRIER TRANSPORTATION

13521.
General jurisdiction.

        

SUBCHAPTER III—FREIGHT FORWARDER SERVICE

13531.
General jurisdiction.

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—AUTHORITY TO EXEMPT

13541.
Authority to exempt transportation or services.

        

SUBCHAPTER I—MOTOR CARRIER TRANSPORTATION

About This Section

49 U.S.C. § 13304 is part of Title 49 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 49 U.S.C. § 13304. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 13304

What does United States Code § 13304 cover?

Section 13304 ("Service of process in court proceedings") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. 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 Us Code § 13304?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 13304" (Us Code). 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 Us Code law?

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

How does Us Code § 13304 apply to my situation?

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

Sources & Verification

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