<P> In the United States, many oil, gas and CO pipelines are common carriers . The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates rates charged and other tariff terms imposed by interstate common carrier pipelines . Intrastate common carrier pipeline tariffs are often regulated by state agencies . The US and many states have delegated the power of eminent domain to common carrier gas pipelines . </P> <P> Common carriers are subject to special laws and regulations that differ depending on the means of transport used, e.g. sea carriers are often governed by quite different rules from road carriers or railway carriers . In common law jurisdictions as well as under international law, a common carrier is absolutely liable for goods carried by it, with four exceptions: </P> <Ul> <Li> An act of nature </Li> <Li> An act of the public enemies </Li> <Li> Fault or fraud by the shipper </Li> <Li> An inherent defect in the goods </Li> </Ul> <Li> An act of nature </Li>

Who are common carriers what are their liabilities under contract act