(a) The issuer of a through bill of lading, or other document of title embodying an undertaking to be performed in part by a person acting as the issuer's agent or by a performing carrier, is liable to a person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for a breach by the other person or the performing carrier of its obligation under the bill or other document. However, this liability for breach by the other person or the performing carrier may be varied by agreement of the parties, except to the extent other law prohibits variation of the liability by agreement.

(b) If goods covered by a through bill of lading or other document of title embodying an undertaking to be performed in part by a person other than the issuer are received by the other person, the person is subject, with respect to its own performance while the goods are in its possession, to the obligation of the issuer. The person's obligation is discharged by delivery of the goods to another person under the bill or other document, and does not include liability for breach by another person or by the issuer.

(c) The issuer of a through bill of lading or other document of title described in (a) of this section may recover from the performing carrier, or other person in possession of the goods when the breach of the obligation under the bill occurred, the amount

(1) the issuer may be required to pay to a person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for the breach, as may be evidenced by a receipt, judgment, or transcript of judgment; and

(2) of an expense reasonably incurred by the issuer in defending an action commenced by a person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for the breach.