GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 19, 2026

Freight Law

Freight law governs contracts of carriage between carriers – whether road hauliers, shipping lines, or airlines – and the shippers who entrust goods to them.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 19 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fracht

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

136

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Freight law governs contracts of carriage between carriers – whether road hauliers, shipping lines, or airlines – and the shippers who entrust goods to them. It defines what the carrier owes (safe, timely delivery) and what the shipper owes (payment, accurate cargo declaration), and sets out liability regimes for loss, damage, or delay. Which rules apply depends on the mode of transport: the CMR Convention for international road haulage, the Montreal Convention for air cargo, and the Hague-Visby Rules for sea freight. Freight law also determines how and when damage claims must be filed, how long the limitation period runs, and what transport documents must be issued – bill of lading, air waybill, or consignment note. It is distinct from freight forwarding law, which governs the relationship between a forwarder acting as agent and its client.