• The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) of 1936 is incorporated by reference into every bill of lading for a foreign shipment of goods to or from the United States. This Law contains a detailed list of 17 causes of loss for which the carrier or ship is not liable as long as the carrier has taken reasonable steps to make the ship seaworthy and handle/stow the cargo responsibly. COGSA also limits liability to US$500 per package or common freight unit (CFU) unless otherwise specifically stated on the bill of lading. This amount, however, can never be more than the losses actually incurred.