FMC TO REVIEW TSA SERVICE CONTRACTING INVESTIGATION FINDINGS

FMC TO REVIEW TSA SERVICE CONTRACTING INVESTIGATION FINDINGS    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission will hold a closed meeting in Washington on May 6 to review the findings of its investigation into transpacific liner carrier service contracting during 2002-2003.
   The agency took up the investigation, so-called Fact Finding No. 25, in late August after receiving a petition from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America and the International Association of NVOCCs, which alleged that liner carrier members of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement violated the Shipping Act by discriminating against non-vessel-operating common carriers.
   FMC Commissioner Joseph Brennan headed the investigation. He gathered evidence from interested parties and witnesses, and held a number of non-public hearings on the West Coast. The agency experienced some delays in its investigation due to the West Coast dock labor lockout last year.
   It’s unclear what action, if any, the commission will take against the TSA carriers.