Expeditors promises refunds from settlement

Expeditors promises refunds from settlement Freight forwarder Expeditors International recently notified customers that it plans to return any proceeds it obtains from a class action settlement under discussion with Lufthansa Cargo regarding the airline's participation in an industry-wide price fixing scheme.
   Expeditors said a class settlement has been reached with Lufthansa in one case, but must still receive approval from the court. There is no guarantee that money will be disbursed, and the amount Expeditors would receive is still unclear, the Seattle-based cargo intermediary said.
   Expeditors has filed a claim and submitted transaction records for cargo space booked with all carriers between Jan. 1, 2000 and Sept. 11, 2006.
   The company said it would not retain any funds received from the settlement.
   Eight other airlines have pleaded guilty and paid fines totaling $1.27 billion to U.S authorities for colluding to set cargo rates and fuel surcharges. Lufthansa escaped prosecution by agreeing to turn evidence and testify against its collaborators. Forwarders and shippers are seeking reimbursement for illegal gains through several class action suits against the airlines.