FMC puts TSA request on slow track

FMC puts TSA request on slow track U.S. The Federal Maritime Commission has decided not to grant an expedited review of a proposed amendment to the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement that would allow members to discuss ways to control capacity.
      The FMC decided not to grant the TSA’s request, filed last month, for an expedited review, which would have allowed the 14 carriers in the discussion agreement to immediately discuss ways that capacity might be controlled.
      Instead the FMC will give its staff additional time to review the proposed amendment, which would now not go into effect until at least Feb. 1. The next meeting of the FMC is scheduled for Jan. 28.
      David R. Miles, counsel to Commissioner Harold J. Creel Jr. said this did not necessarily mean the FMC would seek additional information about the proposal. But the extra time will give the staff the ability to review comments from shippers and intermediaries who have raised questions or objections to the proposal.
      Wednesday the commission voted to accept late-filed comments of Diamond Foods Inc., Farmland Foods, the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association, and the Pacific Northwest Asia Shippers Association on the proposal.
      The National Industrial Transportation League, Agriculture Transportation Coalition, and National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America have also filed comments by the deadline.