Carrier Agreements News

Since early Spring 2020, American consumers have received a practical education in supply chain operations. One lesson is that it takes more than simply going online and clicking a “Buy Now” button for goods to show-up on our front porches. While the networks and systems that deliver commodities from around the globe might have been stretched as a result of COVID-19 related impacts, the men and women who move the freight have worked selflessly and tirelessly to meet consumer and manufacturing demand.Early on in the response to COVID-19…

On December 22, 2018, a continuing resolution passed by Congress to fund a portion of the U.S. Government into the 2019 fiscal year expired and was not renewed resulting in a partial federal government shutdown. Among the affected Executive Departments are the Department of Homeland Security (which includes the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection), the Department of Transportation (which includes the Maritime Administration), the Department of Interior (which includes the Bureau of Environment and Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM))…

The restructuring of the ocean carrier alliance system, triggered by merger and acquisition activities by shipping companies, is a logical business development, but if not carefully monitored and regulated, could also represent a move toward reduced services for shippers, said Mario Cordero, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Cordero articulated this concern during remarks he made at the 2016 International Trade Symposium hosted by the Virginia Maritime Association in Norfolk. Cordero participated on a panel entitled Ocean Carrier Mergers & Acquisitions.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has submitted comments on behalf of the global shipping industry to a comprehensive competition policy review being conducted by the Australian Government. The ICS comments support the maintenance of important antitrust exemptions that currently apply to international maritime transport. The provisions under Part X of Australia’s Competition and Consumer Act currently permit container shipping lines to organize consortia and other cooperative arrangements…

The Federal Maritime Commission announced a compromise agreement reached with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) and its corporate affiliate, Nissan Motor Car Carrier Co. (NMCC). Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., is a vessel-operating common carrier based in Japan. As a separate line of commerce, MOL and NMCC operate pure car carriers (PCCs) and roll on/roll off (RO/RO) vessels in U.S. inbound and outbound trades. Under the agreement, MOL agreed to pay $1,275,000 in penalties. The compromise agreement resolved allegations that MOL and NMCC violated section 10(a) of the Shipping Act, 46 U.S.C.

The Federal Maritime Commission issued a Press Release stating that the Commission has entered into a settlement agreement with the major ocean carrier agreements and their members who serve the inbound waterborne U.S. trades with Asia, including the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) and two TSA-related bridging agreements. The settlement addresses carrier practices and provides, among other things, for payment of $1,350,000 in lieu of a civil penalty and for the carriers to refrain from certain practices involving discussion and agreement on rates and negotiation of service contract terms particularly affecting non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). Source: HK Law

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Steven R. Blust announced yesterday that the Commission has entered into a settlement agreement with the major ocean carrier agreements and their members who serve the inbound waterborne U.S. trades with Asia, including the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA), and two TSA-related bridging agreements. addresses carrier practices investigated in the Commission's Fact Finding Investigation No. 25 - Practices of Transpacific Stabilization Agreement Members Covering the 2002-2003 Service Contract Season, initiated in response to a joint petition filed by the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) and the International Association of NVOCCs (IANVOCC).

The following are remards by the Honorable Harold J. Creel, Jr., Federal Maritime Commisioner, as prepared for presentation at the International Transportation Management Conference in Houston. It is an honor and a pleasure to be addressing this distinguished conference. As Barry indicated in his opening remarks, this panel will be addressing the following hot topics in ocean transportation: globalization; deregulation; terrorism; new security requirements; antitrust immunity; and NVOCC confidential contracts. I would like to focus my remarks, from a government regulator's perspective, on the latter two topics. I will, of course, attempt to answer any questions you may have on anything that comes up.

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) released the speech delivered by Chairman Steven R. Blust regarding the liner shipping market and regulatory change. He foresees changes with regard to cargo security requirements; regulation of ocean transportation intermediaries; and organization of carrier agreements. Source: HK Law Source: HK Law

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a Notice

Strengthening its position as a leading player in West African shipping and logistics, OT Africa Line (OTAL) has expanded its agency network in China. United Transportation Limited (UTL), OTAL's general agents covering Hong Kong and China, will now co-ordinate all Chinese commercial and operational activities via a sub agency network managed by Chiao Feng Shipping Ltd. With headquarters in Hong Kong, Chiao Feng has strategically located offices (highlighted below) based at important regional transhipment hubs. Chiao Feng has been established for 15 years with all branches holding a Class A license issued by the Chinese Government granting authority to handle freight traffic throughout the region.