FMC LEVIES $2.9 MILLION IN FINES

   The Federal Maritime Commission has reached settlements with 10 ocean
carriers, non-vessel-operating common carriers and freight forwarders on
fines totaling $2.9 million for alleged violations of the 1984 Shipping Act.
   Chile’s Compania Sud Americana de Vapores (CSAV) was hit the hardest,
$1.85 million, for allegedly giving illegal refunds or rebates to shippers,
overcompensating freight forwarders and engaging in service contract
malpractices.
   Mediterranean Shipping Co. agreed to pay $360,000 for allegedly giving
shippers illegal rebates in the U.S./South America trade.
   Miami-based NVOs Mercator Shipping Ltd. and Eagle Transfer Inc. were
fined $200,000 and $150,000, respectively, for allegedly receiving rebates
and other rate concessions.
   Other companies fined and the amounts are: Orient Express Container Co.,
a Taipei, Taiwan NVO, $90,000; China Interocean Transport and affiliate,
Sino-Am Marine Co., $70,000; Gardena, Calif.-based NVO American Commercial Transport, $65,000; Miami-based NVOs A&M Independent Line and Freight Line of the Americas Inc., $50,000 apiece; and Metro Freight Services Inc., an Inwood, N.Y.-based forwarder, $15,000.