CARRIERS FORM CREDIT DISCUSSION/SHARING INFORMATION AGREEMENT

CARRIERS FORM CREDIT DISCUSSION/SHARING INFORMATION AGREEMENT    Six carriers have formed an agreement to discuss and share information credit and collection information.
   The agreement was filed with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission by Crowley Liner Services Inc., Inchcape Shipping Services Inc., Linea Maritima Mexicana S.A., Lykes Lines Ltd., Tecmarine Lines and Transportacion Maritima Grancolombiana S.A. The agreement is expected to go into effect Jan. 18.
   The carriers would be able “to meet, in person or by telephone, or conduct business by written, Internet, telex or telefax exchanges, to discuss accounts that are or which may be of interest to the credit and collections departments of the parties.”
   The agreement does not authorize common policy or credit rules, credit terms, rates or agreements relating to conditions under which credit would or would not be granted.
   Each carrier also has the right to independent action, and there will be no concerted action by the parties under the agreement.