FMC DISMISSES COMPLAINT AGAINST FORWARDER IN IMPORT-RELATED CASE

FMC DISMISSES COMPLAINT AGAINST FORWARDER IN IMPORT-RELATED CASE    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has dismissed a complaint against a Maryland freight forwarder involved in the shipment of auto parts from Saudi Arabia to the United States.
   Canyon, a Sylnar, Calif.-based firm that imports spare auto parts, filed a complaint against forwarder Guardian Services Group, citing a rate dispute over shipments made in mid-2000. In its complaint, Canyon sought reparations for lost business.
   The FMC said that under the 1984 Shipping Act it had no jurisdiction over forwarder cases related to imports to the United States. There were also questions about Guardian’s role as a forwarder and non-vessel-operating common carrier in the complaint.
   “It is unfortunate that the efforts of the parties before the commission became a detour in their ultimate quest for justice, but the limited jurisdiction of the commission requires that they return to the United States District Court for a resolution,” said Michael A. Rosas, FMC administrative law judge, in the concluding remarks of his decision.