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HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 2Ch. 5§ 2509 Risk Transfer In Shipments

§ 2509 Risk Transfer In Shipments

Commercial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2509 Risk Transfer In Shipments

This law explains when the risk of loss moves from the seller to the buyer for goods being shipped or stored.

Key Takeaways

  • •Risk passes when the seller hands the goods to a carrier, unless a specific destination is required.
  • •If a specific destination is required, risk passes when the goods are ready there for the buyer to take.
  • •When goods are stored with a bailee, risk passes when the buyer gets a document of title or the bailee acknowledges the buyer's right.
  • •The buyer gets the goods risk‑free once they are received, unless the seller is not a merchant.
  • •The parties can change these rules by agreement.

Example

You order a new washing machine that will be delivered by a truck to your house.

The risk of loss passes to you when the truck receives the washing machine from the seller, even if the truck hasn't yet arrived at your house. If the seller had to deliver it to a specific store first, the risk passes when the store gets the machine and is ready for you to pick it up.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2509 Risk Transfer In Shipments

(1) Where the contract requires or authorizes the seller to ship the goods by carrier (a) If it does not require him to deliver them at a particular destination, the risk of loss passes to the buyer when the goods are duly delivered to the carrier even though the shipment is under reservation (Section 2505); but (b) If it does require him to deliver them at a particular destination and the goods are there duly tendered while in the possession of the carrier, the risk of loss passes to the buyer when the goods are there duly so tendered as to enable the buyer to take delivery. (2) Where the goods are held by a bailee to be delivered without being moved, the risk of loss passes to the buyer (a) On his receipt of possession or control of a negotiable document of title covering the goods; or (b) On acknowledgment by the bailee of the buyer’s right to possession of the goods; or (c) After his receipt of possession or control of a nonnegotiable document of title or other direction to deliver in a record, as provided in subdivision (4)(b) of Section 2503. (3) In any case not within subdivision (1) or (2), the risk of loss passes to the buyer on his receipt of the goods if the seller is a merchant; otherwise the risk passes to the buyer on tender of delivery. (4) The provisions of this section are subject to contrary agreement of the parties and to the provisions of this division on sale on approval (Section 2327) and on effect of breach on risk of loss (Section 2510). (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 254, Sec. 41. Effective January 1, 2007.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

agreementdestinationdocumentbailcontractpossessionbreachacknowledgment

Related Statutes

  • § 10219 Risk Of Loss Transfer
  • § 10523 Lessee Default Remedies
  • § 10527 Lessor Disposal After Default
  • § 7302 Through Bill Liability
  • § 10504 Lease Damage Liquidation Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 2509.
View Official Source