49 U.S.C. § 80101

1. (1)“consignee” means the person named in a bill of lading as the person to whom the goods are to be delivered.
2. (2)“consignor” means the person named in a bill of lading as the person from whom the goods have been received for shipment.
3. (3)“goods” means merchandise or personal property that has been, is being, or will be transported.
4. (4)“holder” means a person having possession of, and a property right in, a bill of lading.
5. (5)“order” means an order by indorsement on a bill of lading.
6. (6)“purchase” includes taking by mortgage or pledge.
7. (7)“State” means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and a territory or possession of the United States.