Unless the consignor accompanies the freight and retains exclusive control thereof, an inland common carrier of property is liable from the time that the common carrier accepts until that common carrier is relieved from liability pursuant to sections 8-03-05, 8-03-06, 8-03-07, and 8-03-08 for the loss or injury thereof from any cause whatever, except from:

1.    An inherent defect, vice, or weakness, or spontaneous action of the property itself; 2.    The act of a public enemy of the United States or of this state; 3.    The act of the law; or

4.    Any irresistible superhuman cause.