FMC requests comments on NCBFAA petition for tariff exemption

FMC requests comments on NCBFAA petition for tariff exemption The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission Monday published a request for comments regarding a recent petition asking the agency to use its authority to exempt non-vessel-operating common carriers from the requirement of publishing rate tariffs.
   The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America filed the petition with the FMC on July 31. The association’s petition asked the FMC to include the following principles:
   ' Exemption would be voluntary and apply only to rate tariffs.
   ' Negotiated rates and related disputes would be governed by contract law.
   ' NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs) would continue to be filed with the FMC and essential terms published.
   ' All NVO-negotiated rates would be “memorialized” in writing.
   ' FMC would have access to documentation underlying negotiated rates.
   ' Exemption would not apply to antitrust immunity on NVOs.
   ' Exemption would apply to FMC-licensing and registered to NVOs.
   The FMC said comments on the exemption request are due by no later than Sept. 26. For information about filing comments, access online edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-18456.htm.