Us Code § 30703 - Bills of lading

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 30703 — Bills of lading, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 30703. Bills of lading

(a) Issuance.—On demand of a shipper, the carrier shall issue a bill of lading or shipping document.

(b) Contents.—The bill of lading or shipping document shall include a statement of—

(1) the marks necessary to identify the goods;

(2) the number of packages, or the quantity or weight, and whether it is carrier's or shipper's weight; and

(3) the apparent condition of the goods.


(c) Prima Facie Evidence of Receipt.—A bill of lading or shipping document issued under this section is prima facie evidence of receipt of the goods described.

(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)
30703 46 App.:193. Feb. 13, 1893, ch. 105, §4, 27 Stat. 445.

In subsection (a), the words "On demand of a shipper" are added because of the reference to a demand in 46 App. U.S.C. 194. 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 word "lawful" (which modifies "merchandise") is omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (b)(2), the words "or weight" are added for consistency with the requirement to state whether it is the carrier's or shipper's weight.

In subsection (b)(3), the word "order" is omitted as redundant to "condition". The words "delivered to and received by . . . for transportation" are omitted as unnecessary.

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 30703 is part of Title 46 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 46 U.S.C. § 30703. 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.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 30703

What does United States Code § 30703 cover?

Section 30703 ("Bills of lading") 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 § 30703?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 30703" (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 § 30703 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

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