FMC HEARS TESTIMONY ABOUT TRANSPACIFIC PRACTICES

FMC HEARS TESTIMONY ABOUT TRANSPACIFIC PRACTICES    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission will hear today (Tuesday) the first testimonies about practices of Transpacific Stabilization Agreement ocean carriers covering the 2002-2003 service contract season.
   The hearing, to be conducted in a non-public session at the Washington office of the regulator, is part of a fact-finding investigation announced on Aug. 23.
   FMC commissioner Joseph Brennan, the investigative officer, will take testimony under oath and receive documents in evidence, as appropriate.
   The hearing may be conducted on subsequent days at the same location, if necessary, the FMC said.
   The investigation will look into allegations that TSA carriers have discriminated against non-vessel-operating common carriers, as a class of shippers, during the current season.