Awakening antitrust opposition?

Awakening antitrust opposition? Does shipping deserve the special treatment it enjoys under antitrust laws?
   Opposition to the industry's power to jointly discuss business was raised last year in testimony before the House Maritime and Coast Guard Subcommittee by groups such as the National Industrial Transportation League, but it was uncertain if the issue would get much traction given the long list of challenges facing the nation.
   But the whole issue was given a spur when the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement proposed to the Federal Maritime Commission in December to use its immunity to talk collectively about trimming capacity in the face of declining freight volumes. This has sparked indignation from some importers and exporters who are facing economic difficulties of their own.
   It will be interesting to see if Congress continues to probe the need of the shipping industry for antitrust protection as well as the future of the FMC, which some have suggested could be downsized from five to three commissioners. (Chris Dupin)