Title 49 › SUBTITLE III — GENERAL AND INTERMODAL PROGRAMS › CHAPTER 59 — INTERMODAL SAFE CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION › § 5901
Defines key words used in the chapter and says that, unless otherwise stated, the definitions in sections 10102 and 13102 of this title apply. Beneficial owner — a person who has ownership rights without holding legal title, including trustees for overseas-origin shipments domiciled or doing business in the U.S., but not carriers or similar service providers just because they handle or arrange transport. Carrier — motor, rail, and water carriers moving goods in commerce, and ocean common carriers as defined in section 40102 of title 46. Container — a freight container per ISO668–1979(E) and similar containers used in interstate commerce. First carrier — the first carrier to move a loaded container or trailer in intermodal transport. Gross cargo weight — weight of the cargo plus packaging, pallets, and dunnage, including ice. Intermodal transportation — moving a loaded container or trailer from origin to destination by more than one mode in interstate or foreign commerce, whether under a single bill of lading or separate bills. Trailer — a nonpowered unit designed to carry property and be pulled by a truck tractor.
Full Legal Text
Transportation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
49 U.S.C. § 5901
Title 49, Transportation
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102