Freight

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

formerly a charge paid to the owner of a ship for the carriage of goods, but this term now extends to transportation by land, especially by railroads. In maritime freight the person chartering a ship pays freight for goods sent by it, and dead freight for any deficiency of cargo; the terms of the agreement are fixed by the charter party. A person sending goods by a general ship pays freight for them; and the contract of lading. So takes the form of a bill far as the rights of parties are not made in the the subject of positive stipulation contract of affreightment, they are ascertained with reference to the usage of trade. The carrier's duty is to have the ship ready to start at the time appointed (wind and weather permitting), and to receive the goods and carry them to their destination; having performed these duties, he has a lien on the goods and a right of action in case of non-payment of freight. The shipper's duty is to have his goods forwarded in time. Freight is not usually payable unless the voyage is completed; but it is sometimes prepaid, in whole or in part, at the risk of the shipper. It was for formerly held that the on the earnwages of the crew depended ing of freight by the ships. This rule was set aside by the British Merchant Shipping Act of 1854. Even in case of recover his shipwreck a seaman may wages; but his claim will be barred if that he evidence can be given to show to the utmost to failed to exert himself save the ship and cargo. The old rule is adhered to in the United States; but it does not apply to the master, nor does it apply to seamen if freight has been lost by the fault of the master or owners. Freight is the subject of insurance. See CARRIER.