Congress enacted the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 to regulate interstate transportation. Then in 1906 it enacted the Carmack Amendment. The purpose of the Carmack Amendment is to establish uniform federal guidelines designed to remove the uncertainty surrounding a carrier’s liability when damage occurs to a shipper’s interstate shipment. The provisions and limitations of the Carmack Amendment are important to know when dealing with a Motor Truck Cargo (MTC) claim for physical damage.
The Carmack Amendment applies only when there is interstate transportation by a motor carrier. 49 U.S.C. 13501(1). To make a case for carrier liability under the Carmack Amendment it must be shown that (1) that the goods were delivered to the carrier in good condition, (2) that they arrived at the place of delivery in damaged condition, and that (3) the amount of damages is measurable.
The Carmack Amendment subjects a motor carrier transporting cargo in interstate commerce to absolute or strict liability for actual loss or injury to property. As a result, the complaining party does not need to show that the carrier damaged the goods, but only that they arrived in a damaged state. To evidence the condition of the goods being shipped, the carrier issues a bill of lading, which is the carrier’s receipt for the condition and quantity of the goods. 49 U.S.C. 14706(a)(1). The bill of lading can also place limitations on the amount of the carrier’s liability in the event a claim is made. Punitive damages are not allowed under the Carmack Amendment.
The Carmack Amendment also allows a carrier to limit the time for filing a claim. A carrier may require that any claims for damaged goods be brought within nine months.