FMC RESCHEDULES WEST COAST TSA CONTRACT PRACTICES HEARINGS

FMC RESCHEDULES WEST COAST TSA CONTRACT PRACTICES HEARINGS    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has rescheduled its U.S. West Coast hearings for its fact-finding investigation into the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement liner carriers’ service contract practices covering the 2002-03 season.
   The FMC launched the investigation in August after receiving a request from National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America and the International Association of NVOCCs alleging discriminatory contracting practices by the transpacific liner carriers.
   West Coast field hearings were scheduled earlier, but were cancelled due to the on-going West Coast port labor dispute.
   The new hearing schedule includes:
   * Long Beach, Calif., Nov. 20.
   * San Francisco, Nov. 21.
   * Seattle, Nov. 22.
   The FMC’s investigative officer, Commissioner Joseph E. Brennan, will take testimony under oath and receive documents in evidence, as appropriate.
   “In accordance with the discretion of the investigative officer, this hearing will be conducted in non-public session, as authorized by the fact finding order,” the FMC said.
   Persons interested in testifying should contact Anthony Sammons of the FMC at 202-523-5783, or by e-mail at NVOPetitionTsa@fmc.gov.