The TT Club has issued its updated guide to risk management in relation to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, based on amendment 34-08.
Dr Chris Foster of Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP has drawn attention to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) advice issued concerning transportation of batteries for recycling and disposal following a number of serious incidents.
TT Talk Edition 127 of 4 March 2010 published an article by US attorney-at-law Conte Cicala on 'Delivery under a 'Straight' bill of lading under United States law'. In contrast to US law, which generally permits delivery without presentation of a 'straight' bill of lading, Canadian law requires surrender of one original 'straight' bill of lading in return for the goods.
Ocean carriers are often caught between cargo interests fighting over whether, and to whom, cargo may be released. Where shipment is made pursuant to a traditional negotiable or order bill of lading, the rules are relatively straightforward. But when the shipment is made pursuant to a non-negotiable/straight bill of lading ('Straight B/L') or pursuant to 'sea waybill', the question becomes far more complex, especially in light of the inconsistent treatment of Straight B/L's and sea waybills from nation to nation (endnote 1). It comes as no surprise, then, that this topic has been frequently revisited by TT Talk (endnote 2).
