Understanding International Carriage: A Legal Perspective
Definition & Meaning
The term international carriage refers to the transportation of perishable food items across national borders. This occurs when these foodstuffs are loaded onto a rail or road vehicle in one country and unloaded in another country that is a party to international agreements regarding such transport. The transportation can involve:
- Rail transport
- Road transport
- A combination of rail and road transport
- Sea transport for crossings less than one hundred and fifty kilometers, provided there are land journeys before or after the sea transport, using the same equipment without transferring the foodstuffs
Legal Use & context
International carriage is primarily relevant in the fields of transportation law and international trade. It is crucial for businesses involved in the import and export of perishable goods, as it outlines the legal framework governing their transport. Users may need to complete specific legal forms related to shipping contracts, customs declarations, or liability waivers, which can be managed using templates available through US Legal Forms.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A company in the United States ships fresh strawberries to Canada. The strawberries are loaded onto a truck in the U.S., transported across the border, and delivered to a retailer in Canada.
Example 2: A seafood supplier in Mexico sends fish to a restaurant in the U.S. The fish are transported by truck to a port, shipped by boat for a short distance, and then delivered by truck to the restaurant. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
International carriage is governed by various international agreements, including:
- 7 USCS § 4402, which defines the term and conditions for international carriage of perishable foodstuffs