Maine Revised Statutes
Part 3: BILLS OF LADING: SPECIAL PROVISIONS
11 §7-1309. Duty of care; contractual limitation of carrier's liability

§7-1309. Duty of care; contractual limitation of carrier's liability
(1).  A carrier that issues a bill of lading, whether negotiable or nonnegotiable, shall exercise the degree of care in relation to the goods that a reasonably careful person would exercise under similar circumstances. This subsection does not affect any statute, regulation or rule of law that imposes liability upon a common carrier for damages not caused by its negligence.  
[PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).]
(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. However, such a limitation is not effective with respect to the carrier's liability for conversion to its own use.  
[PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).]
(3).  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.  
[PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 324, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).