                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

THROUGH BILLS OF LADING AND SIMILAR DOCUMENTS (§ 8.7-302)

1. The issuer of a through bill of lading or other document embodying an
undertaking to be performed in part by persons acting as its agents or by a
performing carrier is liable to anyone entitled to recover on the document for
any breach by such other persons or by a performing carrier of its obligation
under the document. However, to the extent that the document covers an
undertaking to be performed overseas or in territory not contiguous to the
continental United States or an undertaking including matters other than
transportation, this liability may be varied by agreement of the parties.

2. Where goods covered by a through bill of lading or other document embodying
an undertaking to be performed in part by persons other than the issuer are
received by any such person, he is subject, with respect to his own performance
while the goods are in his possession, to the obligation of the issuer. His
obligation is discharged by delivery of the goods to another such person
pursuant to the document, and does not include liability for breach by any other
such persons or by the issuer.

3. The issuer of such through bill of lading or other document shall be entitled
to recover from the performing carrier, or such other person in possession of
the goods when the breach of the obligation under the document occurred, (a) the
amount it may be required to pay to anyone entitled to recover on the document
therefor, as may be evidenced by any receipt, judgment, or transcript thereof,
and (b) the amount of any expense reasonably incurred by it in defending any
action brought by anyone entitled to recover on the document therefor.

HISTORY: Code 1950, §§ 56-120, 56-121; 1964, c. 219; 2004, c. 200.