FMC to Hold Another Meeting on TSA Cost-Saving Amendment, Etc.
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a notice announcing that it will hold a partially closed meeting on January 28, 2009 in Washington, DC. During the closed portion of the meeting, the FMC will consider an amendment to the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (Agreement No. 011223-043).
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
TSA Amendment Would Allow Members to Discuss Cost Savings, Capacity
The amendment filed to the TSA would provide authority for TSA members to discuss cost savings and more efficient use of vessel and equipment assets and networks. The FMC has previously stated that the review period for this amendment ends on February 1, 2009.
At a January 14, 2009 meeting, the FMC denied a request for an expedited review of the TSA amendment. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/20/09 news, 09012035, for BP summary.)
NCBFAA Opposes TSA Amendment, States it Would Reduce Service/Raise Rates
The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. submitted comments opposing this TSA amendment. According to NCBFAA, the amendment seeks immunity from antitrust laws to collectively discuss capacity and rationalization issues, and could result in an unreasonable reduction in transportation service or an unreasonable increase in transportation costs. To support its position, the NCBFAA provided the FMC with a Justice Department study that concluded the effect of capacity control coordination, even for a limited time, could have significant adverse effect on consumer prices.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/31/08 news, 08123199 1, for BP summary of FMC's notice on filing of the TSA amendment and request for comments. See ITT's Online Archives or 01/13/09 news, 09011320, for BP summary of FMC's first meeting on the TSA amendment.)
FMC meeting notice (FR Pub 01/27/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-1755.pdf/