Sinotrans requests exemption from rate notice period

Sinotrans requests exemption from rate notice period    The Chinese government-controlled carrier Sinotrans Container Lines has filed a petition with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission to seek an exemption from the tariff publishing requirements of the 1984 Shipping Act.
   Sinotrans wants an exemption to be able to reduce rates to meet or exceed the tariff rates of other carriers on one day’s notice. Under the controlled carrier rules of the Shipping Act, state-controlled carriers must give the FMC advance notice of their intentions to lower rates.
   The FMC has asked for industry comments on Sinotrans’ request.
   “In order for the commission to make a thorough evaluation of the petition, interested persons are requested to submit views or arguments in reply to the petition no later than Aug. 8,” the FMC said in a statement.