I am writing to express my support for Senate Bill Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1998 ("New COGSA").

I am an attorney residing in Charleston, South Carolina, the fourth largest container port in the United States. I practice with the Charleston firm of Buist, Moore, Smythe & McGee, P.A., and chair our firm'a Admiralty & Maritime Practice Group. I have been engaged in the practice of admiralty and maritime law for the last 28 years. During my practice, I have been involved in all aspects of commercial shipping and maritime litigation involving the transportation of cargo, including claims for and against shippers, ocean carriers and related parties. I am a member of the Bars of the States of South Carolina and Virginia, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, and the Fourth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeal. I am a member of The Maritime Law Association of the United States and currently serve on its Board.

199953 1

I am knowledgeable about the study of carriage of goods prior to the introduction of the New COGSA legislation. I am aware that the MLA and a coalition of shippers, carriers, and others involved in the maritime industry and related industries are fully supportive of this proposal. The new legislation is long overdue and will go far to bring our Country's legal regime into conformity with the realities of modern ocean commerce and the laws of other nations. I join my colleagues in urging your endorsement and support for this important legislation.

Very truly yours,

Sorded. Achnick

Gordon D. Schreck

GDS/tnh

199953.1

I am writing to you to express my support for the Senate Bill entitled "Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1998."

I am an attorney residing in Philadelphia and am a founding partner with this firm. I have been engaged in the practice of admiralty and maritime law for the last 31 years. A major part of my practice concerns various commercial transactions and litigation, including claims for and against various members of the maritime industry including shippers, carriers, and related parties. I am a member of the Bar of the states of both Pennsylvania and New York. I am a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and currently serve on its Board of Directors.

I am knowledgeable about the study of carriage of goods prior to the introduction of the above Senate Bill. I am aware that the MLA and a coalition of shippers, carriers, and others involved in the maritime industry and related industries are fully supportive of this proposal. I wish to join in that support.

Sincerely,

J.

Wicked huffler

Alfred J. Kuffler

AJK/pav
PBH:97235_1.WP

I write to express our support for Senate Draft Bill of March 19, 1998 to revise Carriage of Goods by Sea Act.

I am a maritime lawyer practicing in New Orleans, Louisiana with the firm of Wagner & Bagot. I have been engaged in the practice of Admiralty and Maritime Law for nearly 30 years. In this practice I become involved in various commercial transactions and litigation, including claims among all interests, shippers, vessel owners and insurers, relating to marine transportation of cargoes. I am a member of the Bar of the State of Louisiana and I practice at all levels of the Federal and State systems. I am a member of The Maritime Law Association of the United States and currently serve on its Board.

I know of the extensive study of carriage of goods prior to the introduction of this bill. The MLA and a coalition of shippers, carriers, and others involved in the maritime and related industries are fully supportive of this proposal. I wish to join in this support and encourage its approval by your subcommittee.

I am writing to you to express my support for the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1998.

I am Managing Partner of Hill Rivkins & Hayden LLP, a firm engaged in the practice of admiralty and Maritime Law for over sixty years. I am also an Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of The Maritime Law Association of the United States.

In my practice I am involved in international commercial transactions and litigation, for and against various members of the maritime industry, including shippers, consignees, carriers and related parties.

I am equally aware of the study of the laws governing the liabilities arising out of the carriage of goods by sea undertaken by various entities prior to the introduction of the proposed COGSA of 1998.

I am aware of the coalition of shippers, carriers and insurers involved in the maritime industry and related industries that are fully supportive of this proposal and I wish to add my voice in full support thereof.