A contract of carriage is a legally binding agreement between a carrier and the consignor, consignee, or passenger outlining the terms and conditions for the transportation of goods or passengers.

The contract of carriage typically defines the rights, duties, and liabilities of the parties involved, as well as any applicable fees or charges. It may also include clauses addressing acts of God or other unforeseen events, such as force majeure, which can excuse a party from fulfilling their obligations under the contract if certain conditions are met.

In the case of common carriers, such as airlines or shipping companies, contracts of carriage are often evidenced by standard terms and conditions that are printed on the reverse of a ticket or carriage document. This can help to ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Notification of a shipment's arrival is typically sent to the "notify party," whose address is listed on the shipping documents. The notify party is usually either the buyer or importer of the goods being shipped.