§ 7309 — Duty of care; contractual limitation of carrier's liability

(a) Standard.--A carrier that issues a bill of lading, whether negotiable or nonnegotiable, shall exercise the degree of care in relation to the goods which a reasonably careful person would exercise under similar circumstances. This subsection shall not affect any statute, regulation or rule of law that imposes liability upon a common carrier for damages not caused by its negligence.

(b) Limitation of damages.--

(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), damages may be limited by a term in the bill of lading or in a transportation agreement that the carrier's liability may not exceed a value stated in the bill or transportation agreement if the carrier's rates are dependent upon value and the consignor is afforded an opportunity to declare a higher value and the consignor is advised of the opportunity.

(2) A limitation under paragraph (1) is not effective with respect to the carrier's liability for conversion to its own use.

(c) Included provisions.--Reasonable provisions as to the time and manner of presenting claims and commencing actions based on the shipment may be included in a bill of lading or a transportation agreement.