At page 498 Incorporation by reference of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act31 citing cases“where a statute is incorporated by reference its provisions are merely terms of the contract evidenced by the bill of lading.”
- HDI Global Ins. Co. v. Kuehne + Nagel, Inc., No. 1:23-cv-06351 (S.D.N.Y. Feb. 10, 2025).“Where a statute is incorporated by reference its provisions are merely terms of the contract evidenced by the bill of lading.” Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir. 1959); cf. Smythgreyhound v. M/V Eurygenes, 666…
- Maersk Line, Ltd. v. United States, 460 F. Supp. 2d 678 (E.D. Va. 2006).publishedThus, “when COGSA does not apply Ex proprio vigore, effect should be given to the parties’ definition of package even if that definition is contrary to that which would control if COGSA were directly applicable.” Id. (citing Pannell v. Uni…
- Sompo Japan Ins. Co. of Am. v. Union Pac. R.R. Co., Docket No. 04-4066-Cv, 456 F.3d 54 (2d Cir. 2006).publishedCo. v. Orient Overseas Containers Lines (UK) Ltd., 230 F.3d 549, 557 (2d Cir.2000); Colgate Palmolive Co. v. S/S Dart Canada, 724 F.2d 313, 315 (2d Cir.1983); Pannell v. U.S. Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.1959); Inst. of London Unde…
- Foster Wheeler Energy Corp. v. an Ning Jiang MV, 383 F.3d 349 (5th Cir. 2004).publishedCo., 230 F.3d at 558 (citing Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.1959)).
- Realini v. Contship Containerlines, Ltd., 143 F. Supp. 2d 1337 (S.D. Fla. 1999).publishedLakes Line, 345 F.Supp. 889, 890 (N.D.Ill.1971)(same); Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.)(same) cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L.Ed.2d 1037 (1959). 2 .
- Caterpillar Overseas, S.A. v. Marine Transp. Inc., Farrell Lines, Inc. Virginia Int'l Terminals, Inc., Caterpillar Overseas, S.A. v. Farrell Lines, Inc. Virginia Int'l Terminals, Inc. Marine Transp. Inc., Caterpillar Overseas, S.A. v. Farrell Lines, Inc., Marine Transp. Inc., & Virginia Int'l Terminals, Inc., 900 F.2d 714 (4th Cir. 1990).publishedThe rule in that case was adopted in Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.1959), which involved a yacht.
- Caterpillar Overseas, S.A. v. Marine Transp. Inc., 900 F.2d 714 (4th Cir. 1990).publishedThe rule in that case was adopted in Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.1959), which involved a yacht.
- Inst. of London Underwriters & Ferguson & Co. v. Sea-Land Serv., Inc., & Container Stevedoring Co., Inc., Inst. of London Underwriters Companies, & Ferguson & Co. v. Sea-Land Serv., Inc., & Container Stevedoring Co., Inc., 881 F.2d 761 (9th Cir. 1989).publishedThe bill of lading stated, in terms similar to those of the instant bill of lading, that "in respect to goods carried on deck ... 'the carrier shall have the benefit of all and the same rights, immunities, exceptions and limitations contai…
- Inst. of London Underwriters v. Sea-Land Serv., Inc., 881 F.2d 761 (9th Cir. 1989).publishedThe bill of lading stated, in terms similar to those of the instant bill of lading, that “in respect to goods carried on deck ... ‘the carrier shall have the benefit of all and the same rights, immunities, exceptions and limitations contai…
- Enter., Inc. v. M/V SAM HOUSTON, 706 F. Supp. 451 (E.D. La. 1988).published (definition of the term “package” that appeared in the Bill of Lading controlled over an inconsistent definition in COGSA)
Show 19 more citing cases
- Colgate Palmolive Co. v. S/s Dart Canada, Her Engines, Boilers, Tackle, Etc., Dart Containerline Ltd., Global Terminal & Container Servs., Inc., Lansdell Prot. Agency, Inc., Global Terminal & Container Servs., Inc., Lansdell Prot. Agency, Inc., Defendant-Third-Party-Plaintiff v. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., Third-Party, 724 F.2d 313 (2d Cir. 1983).publishedIn Pannell v. U.S. Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.1959), COGSA was incorporated into a bill of lading.
- Colgate Palmolive Co. v. S/S Dart Canada, 724 F.2d 313 (2d Cir. 1983).publishedIn Pannell v. U.S. Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.1959), COGSA was incorporated into a bill of lading.
- Croft & Scully Co. v. M/v Skulptor Vuchetich, Etc., 664 F.2d 1277 (5th Cir. 1982).publishedIn Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2nd Cir.), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 [, 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L.Ed.2d 1037 ] (1959), the ...
- Croft & Scully Co. v. M/v Skulptor Vuchetich, 508 F. Supp. 670 (S.D. Tex. 1981).published Refer to note 1, supra. “Where a statute is incorporated by reference its provisions are merely terms of the contract evidenced by the bill of lading.” Pannell v. United States Lines Company, 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 359…
- In Re the Complaint of Norfolk, Baltimore & Carolina Line, Inc., 478 F. Supp. 383 (E.D. Va. 1979).publishedCommonwealth Petrochemicals, Inc. v. S/S Puerto Rico, 607 F.2d 322 , No. 78-1749 (4th Cir. Sept. 19, 1979); Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L.Ed.2d 1037 (1959…
- Commonwealth Petrochemicals, Inc. v. S/S Puerto Rico, 607 F.2d 322 (4th Cir. 1979).published United States v. M/V Marilena P, 433 F.2d 164, 170 (4th Cir. 1969). 7 In Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir. 1959), the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that when COGSA does not apply Ex…
- Norwich Pharmacal Co. v. S.S. Bayamon, 474 F. Supp. 240 (S.D.N.Y. 1979).publishedMoreover, because COGSA does not apply to this shipment ex proprio vigore, there is authority for treating the incorporation of COGSA as a “term[] of the contract evidenced by the bill of lading,” and “to construe the contract to give cons…
- PPG Indus., Inc. v. Ashland Oil Co.-Thomas Petroleum Transit Div., 527 F.2d 502 (3d Cir. 1975).published Canal's argument misses the critical point that COGSA can apply to this case only as a matter of contract and only to the extent that the parties have manifested an intent that it should apply. 20 See Pannell v. United States Lines, 263 F.…
- In re the Vessel Marine Sulphur Queen, 460 F.2d 89 (2d Cir. 1972).publishedThis mere similarity of rather common phrases does not invoke the entirety of COGSA, including its burden of proof rules, cf. Pannell v. United States Line Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2 Cir.), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L.…
- In the Matter of the Vessel Marine Sulphur Queen. Marine Sulphur Transp. Corp., as Owner, & Marine Transp. Lines, Inc., as Demise Charterer, Bethlehem Steel Corp., Impleaded United States Fire Ins. Co., Cargo Claimant-Appellee & Ida Ruth Heard, Death Claimants-Appellees &, 460 F.2d 89 (2d Cir. 1972).publishedThis mere similarity of rather common phrases does not invoke the entirety of COGSA, including its burden of proof rules, cf. Pannell v. United States Line Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2 Cir.), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S. Ct. 1151 , 3 L…
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. v. Ss Hong Kong Producer, Her Engines, Etc., & Universal Marine Corp., 422 F.2d 7 (2d Cir. 1969).published Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2 Cir. 1959), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L.Ed.2d 1037 (1959); Globe Solvents Co. v. The California, 167 F.2d 859, 862 (3 Cir.), cert. denied, 335 U.S. 844 , 69 S.C…
- Empacadora Puertorriqueña De Carnes, Inc. v. Alterman Transp. Line, Inc., 303 F. Supp. 474 (D.P.R. 1969).publishedPannell v. United States Lines Company, 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2nd Cir., 1959); In Re Petterson Lighterage & Towing Corporation, 154 F.Supp. 461, 467 (S.D.N.Y., 1957).
- Stand. Electrica, S.A. v. Hamburg Sudamerikanische Dampfschifffahrts-Gesellschaft, Defendant-Appellee,& Columbus Lines, Inc., 375 F.2d 943 (2d Cir. 1967).published On the dock receipt the “Marks and Numbers” were given as “1/9 and the “No. of Pkgs.” as “9 pallets.” The invoice from the shipper to the libellant described the goods as follows: “Numbers on the packages: 1/9 Quantity: 9 * * *» After the…
- Hartford Fire Ins. v. Orient Overseas Containers Lines (UK) Ltd., 230 F.3d 549 (2d Cir. 2000).published(explaining that terms of a contract can prevail over the provisions of COGSA when COGSA does not apply ex proprio vigore)
- Hartford Fire Ins. Co. v. Orient Overseas Containers Lines (Uk) Ltd., 230 F.3d 549 (2d Cir. 2000).published(explaining that terms of a contract can prevail over the provisions of COGSA when COGSA does not apply ex proprio vigore)
- Seguros Comercial Americas S.A. De C v. v. Am. President Lines, Ltd., 910 F. Supp. 1235 (S.D. Tex. 1995).publishedSee, e.g., Pannell v. U.S. Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.) (definition of the term “package” that appeared in the bill of lading controlled over an inconsistent definition in COGSA), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L…
- St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. v. Sea-Land Serv., Inc., 735 F. Supp. 129 (S.D.N.Y. 1990).publishedSee also Pannell v. U.S. Lines, 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L.Ed.2d 1037 (1959) ("if [COGSA] applied ex proprio vigore the yacht, like the tractor in the Gulf Italia case, could not be deeme…
- Miller Yacht Sales, Inc. v. M v. Vishva Shobha, 494 F. Supp. 1005 (S.D.N.Y. 1980).publishedSee, e. g., Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 498 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 359 U.S. 1013 , 79 S.Ct. 1151 , 3 L.Ed.2d 1037 (1959); Waterman S.S.
- Watermill Exp., Inc. v. MV \Ponce\"", 506 F. Supp. 612 (S.D.N.Y. 1981).published
At page 499 cited at this page1 citing case
- Island Yachts, Inc. v. Fed. Pac. Lakes Line, 345 F. Supp. 889 (N.D. Ill. 1971).publishedSee Pannell v. United States Lines Co., 263 F.2d 497, 499 (2d Cir. 1959) (Moore, J. concurring).
Other citing cases
- Lucchese v. Malabe Shipping Co., Inc., 351 F. Supp. 588 (D.P.R. 1972).published
- Transpacific Carriers Corp. v. The Tug Ellen F. Mcallister, 336 F.2d 371 (2d Cir. 1964).published
- Transpacific Carriers Corp. v. The Tug Ellen F. McAllister, 336 F.2d 371 (2d Cir. 1964).published
v.
UNITED STATES LINES COMPANY, Respondent-Appellant
Reporter's Syllabus editorial summary, not part of the Court's opinion
Kirlin, Campbell & Keating, New York City, for respondent-appellant, L. de Grove Potter and Richard H. Sommer, New York City, of counsel.
Hill, rivkins, Middleton, Louis & Warburton, New York City, for libelant-appellee, David L. Maloof, New York City, of counsel.
Before SWAN and MOORE, Circuit Judges, and KAUFMAN, District Judge.
SWAN, Circuit Judge.
Lead Opinion
This is an appeal from an interlocutory decree for libelant in a suit to recover cargo damage. The damaged cargo was a yacht shipped from London to New York on the deck of respondent’s S.S. American Flyer in May 1953. In unloading the yacht it sustained damage through fault of the carrier. The latter concedes its responsibility but maintains that its liability is limited to $500. by the terms of the contract of carriage. The District Court held it was not so limited, and granted recovery on the basis of $500 per “customary freight unit” pursuant to § 4(5) of the United[*498] States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 46 U.S.C.A. § 1304(5), which provides that the carrier shall not be liable “in an amount exceeding $500 per package * * *, or in ease of goods not shipped in packages, per customary freight unit, * * * unless the nature and value of such goods have been declared by the shipper before shipment and inserted in the bill of lading.” Judge Palmieri granted recovery on the basis of $500 per customary freight unit and referred to a commissioner computation of the damages. The opinion is reported in 157 F. Supp. 422.
This appeal differs from Gulf Italia Co. v. American Export Lines, Inc., 2 Cir., 263 F.2d 135, in that here the yacht was carried on deck. . Consequently 46 U.S.C.A. § 1304(5) does not apply ex proprio vigore. See 46 U.S.C.A. § 1301 (c). However, the bill of lading refers to the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act and the question for decision is what is the legal effect of such reference.
Where a statute is incorporated by reference its provisions are merely terms of the contract evidenced by the bill of lading. The Westmoreland, 2 Cir., 86 F.2d 96, 97; The Tregenna, 2 Cir., 121 F.2d 940, 945 (both relating to incorporation by reference of the Harter Act); Petition of Petterson Lighterage & Towing Corp., D.C.S.D.N.Y., 154 F. Supp. 461, 467 (Carriage of Goods by Sea Act). Our task therefore, is to construe the contract to give consistent effect, if possible, to all of its terms.
Turning to the bill of lading: In Clause 1 it is provided that “the word ‘package’ shall include any piece or shipping unit.” Clause 13 provides that in respect to goods carried on deck certain risks shall be on the shipper “but in all other respects the custody and carriage of such goods shall be governed by the terms of this bill of lading and the carrier shall have the benefit [italics added] of all and the same rights, immunities, exceptions and limitations contained in said Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, notwithstanding Sec. 1(c) thereof, * * * ” The fourth paragraph of Clause 23 reads: “It is understood that the meaning of the word ‘package’ includes pieces and articles of any description except goods shipped in bulk.” At the trial li-belant's proctor stipulated that the yacht was not goods shipped in bulk. The first paragraph of Clause 2, upon which appel-lee particularly relies, reads: “This bill of lading shall have effect subject to the provisions of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act * * * which shall be deemed to be incorporated herein, and nothing herein contained shall be deemed a surrender by the carrier of any of its rights, immunities or limitations or an increase of any of its responsibilities or liabilities under said Act. If any term of this bill of lading be repugnant to said Act to any extent, such term shall be void to that extent but no further.”
The parties have defined what “package” means in the bill of lading. We see no reason why this specific definition should not prevail over the general term “package” contained in the Act. It is true that if the Act applied ex proprio vigore the yacht, like the tractor in the Gulf Italia ease, could not be deemed a “package,” and the parties by so describing it could not reduce the carrier’s liability. But we cannot agree with the District Court’s view that because the definition would be void when applied to shipments covered by the Act, it should likewise be ineffective to reduce liability where the Act is not operative as a matter of law. Since the shipper could have declared the value of his yacht and had full protection against damage by paying a higher freight rate, we cannot regard the $500 limitation as in the nature of a “trap.”
Decree modified to limit recovery to $500 plus interest and costs.
Concurrence
(concurring in the result).
I concur in the result and in the majority opinion except as herein qualified. The terms of the bill of lading clarifying and giving a more specific meaning to the word “package” are not “repugnant” to the Act. The word “package” in the[*499] Act is neither self-defining nor a word of art. The clauses of the bill and of the Act can be read together and the true intent of the parties as to their understanding of “package” thereby be obtained.
For the reasons stated in my opinion in Gulf Italia Company v. American Export lines, Inc. I believe that the phrase “customary freight unit” as used in the Act would have applied in this case to the yacht as a whole, rather than to the units of measure used in calculating the freight charged. Since the Act provides a $500 limit of liability “per package * * * or in case of goods not shipped in packages, per customary freight unit * * phg result which I would reach in this case is the same whether the Act or the specific definition of “package” is applied. Had Congress intended to extend this limitation only to the unit used in calculating freight rate charges it would have been very simple to have so phrased the statute.