Carver Bills of Lading (5th Edition)

Carver on Bills of Lading (Fourth Edition) is an authoritative and comprehensive treatise on the legal principles governing bills of lading and the carriage of goods by sea. Published by Sweet & Maxwell, this edition continues the long-standing reputation of the Carver series as a cornerstone of maritime law scholarship.

The book provides detailed examination of the legal nature and functions of bills of lading, including their role as receipts, documents of title, and evidence of contracts of carriage. It analyzes carriers’ liabilities, cargo owners’ rights, defences available to shipowners, and issues relating to delivery, misdelivery, and limitation of liability.

Comprehensive commentary is offered on international conventions such as the Hague Rules and Hague-Visby Rules, alongside in-depth discussion of leading judicial decisions from major maritime jurisdictions. The text also addresses practical issues including negotiability, electronic bills of lading, charterparty interplay, and claims handling in maritime disputes.