FREIGHT, in commercial matters, is the charge made for the carriage of merchandise in a ship. The amount of the freight is gen erally specified in the bill of lading. It fre. quently happens that the whole ship is hired by a merchant for a voyage, and a certain amount is paid without reference to the quan tity of goods put on board. In such eases the mode of payment is part of the matter of agreement between the shipowner and the merchant, and the terms of the agreement are stated in an instrument called a charter party. Where the shipper of goods does not stipulate for the use of the whole ship, the amount of the freight, as well as the mode of payment, maybe inserted in the bill of lading. Where this is not done, the freight is due from the merchant on the delivery of the goods, and tho owner or master of the ship may de mand payment of the same, package by pack-. age, as the same are delivered. In London
where the greater part of the merchandise brought from foreign countries is delivered into the custody of one or other of the incor porated dock-companies, there is a custom of arresting the goods in their hands, so that they cannot pass away from the original im. porter until the shipowner, or some person acting on his behalf, has signified in writing that the freight has been paid. If goods are damaged on board the ship, through the care lessness or neglect of those in whose charge she and her cargo are placed, so that the owner of the ship is liable for the amount of the damage, this cannot, without the consent of the owner or master, be set off against the amount of the freight, which must under all circumstances be paid, and the merchant must afterwards substantiate his claim to compen sation for the amount of the damage.