§80111 Liability for delivery of goods

Summary

A common carrier (a company that moves goods for others) must pay for losses when it gives someone else’s goods to a person who is not entitled to them, unless the delivery was allowed under section 80110(b)(2) or (3). The carrier is also liable if it makes such an allowed delivery after being told by the owner or lawful possessor not to, or if it knew the recipient was not entitled. A warning only works if a carrier officer or agent with authority got it and had time, using reasonable care, to stop the delivery. If a negotiable bill of lading was issued and the carrier delivered the goods without canceling that bill, the carrier must pay damages to someone who bought the bill in good faith for value, even if the sale was before or after delivery, and even if delivery went to the person entitled. The carrier is not liable when delivery was ordered by legal process, goods were lawfully sold to satisfy the carrier’s lien, goods were unclaimed, or the goods were perishable or hazardous.