FMC collects $732,000 in compromise agreements

FMC collects $732,000 in compromise agreements    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has reached settlements with nine ocean carriers and ocean transportation intermediaries totaling $732,000 for various alleged violations of the 1984 Shipping Act.
   Mediterranean Shipping Co. agreed to pay a civil penalty of $280,000 for allegedly allowing others to obtain ocean transportation at rates less than those established in its tariff or service contracts by unlawful use of equipment substitution. The carrier also allegedly provided services in the liner trades that were not in line with the rates, charges, classifications, rules and practices contained in its published tariff or service contracts.
   Seaboard Marine, another ocean carrier, agreed to pay $200,000 for allegedly accepting and transporting cargo for ocean transportation intermediaries without published tariffs or bonds.
   Jersey City, N.J.-based freight forwarder Interglobo Morra N.A., along with A.L.S. Associazione Logistica Spedizionieri of Genoa, Italy, and Interglobo Queirolo USA, together paid a civil penalty of $110,000 for alleged license violations and misdeclared shipments to obtain discounts.
   Other companies fined for various Shipping Act violations, including the amounts paid, are:
   * Swat International, a Jamaica, N.Y.-based OTI, $30,000.
   * The Norton Line, a Long Beach, Calif.-based OTI, $25,000.
   * Miami-based OTI American First International, $25,000.
   * Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based OTI Star Freight Solutions, $22,000.
   * Sobe Enterprises, a Miami-based OTI, $20,000.
   * Willy Express Shipping, a Bronx, N.Y.-based non-vessel-operating common carrier, $20,000.