GA Code § 11-7-302 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 11 - Commercial Code|Article 7 - Warehouse Receipts, Bills of Lading, and Other Documents of Title|Part 3 - Bills of Lading: Special Provisions|§ 11-7-302. Through Bills of Lading and Similar Documents of Title

  The issuer of a through bill of lading, or other document of title embodying an undertaking to be performed in part by a person acting as its agent or by a performing carrier, is liable to any person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for any breach by the other person or the performing carrier of its obligation under the bill or other document. However, to the extent that the bill or other 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 for breach by the other person or the performing carrier may be varied by agreement of the parties.   If goods covered by a through bill of lading or other document of title embodying an undertaking to be performed in part by a person other than the issuer are received by that person, the person is subject, with respect to its own performance while the goods are in its possession, to the obligation of the issuer. The person's obligation is discharged by delivery of the goods to another person pursuant to the bill or other document and does not include liability for breach by any other person or by the issuer.   The issuer of a through bill of lading or other document of title described in subsection (a) of this Code section is entitled to recover from the performing carrier, or other person in possession of the goods when the breach of the obligation under the bill or other document occurred:   The amount it may be required to pay to any person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for the breach, as may be evidenced by any receipt, judgment, or transcript of judgment; and   The amount of any expense reasonably incurred by the issuer in defending any action commenced by any person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for the breach.      (Code 1933, § 109A-7 - 302, enacted by Ga. L. 1962, p. 156, § 1; Ga. L. 2010, p. 481, § 1-1/HB 451.)    The 2010 amendment,  effective May 27, 2010, added "of title" in the catchline; and rewrote this Code section. See the Editor's notes for applicability.   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2010, p. 481, § 3-1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act applies to a document of title that is issued or a bailment that arises on or after the effective date of this Act. This Act does not apply to a document of title that is issued or a bailment that arises before the effective date of this Act even if the document of title or bailment would be subject to this Act if the document of title had been issued or bailment had arisen on or after the effective date of this Act. This Act does not apply to a right of action that has accrued before the effective date of this Act." This Act became effective May 27, 2010.   Ga. L. 2010, p. 481, § 3-2, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "A document of title issued or a bailment that arises before the effective date of this Act and the rights, documents, and interests flowing from that document or bailment are governed by any statute or other rule amended or repealed by this Act as if such amendment or repeal had not occurred and may be terminated, completed, consummated, or enforced under that statute or other rule." This Act became effective May 27, 2010.   Law reviews.   - For note, "The Law of Evidence in the Uniform Commercial Code," see 1 Ga. L. Rev. 44 (1966).   JUDICIAL DECISIONS   Agent of issuer absolved of liability upon delivery of goods to principal.    - Issuer of bill of lading, rather than the issuer's agent, was liable for breach of contract with owner of goods, as agent was personally absolved of liability upon delivery of goods to principal who breached. Sanchez v. Aaron Van Lines, 160 Ga. App. 173, 286 S.E.2d 469 (1981).   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 14 Am. Jur. 2d, Carriers, § 691.   C.J.S.   - 13 C.J.S., Carriers, §§ 398-401, 460-462. 80 C.J.S., Shipping, § 260 et seq.   U.L.A.   - Uniform Commercial Code (U.L.A.) § 7-302.