FMC TO INVESTIGATE TWO NVOS

FMC TO INVESTIGATE TWO NVOS    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission is investigating two ocean transportation intermediaries operating as non-vessel-operating common carriers for allegedly violating the Shipping Act of 1984.
   The FMC alleges that Green Master International Freight Services Ltd., a bonded and tariffed NVOCC, obtained or attempted to obtain ocean transportation of at least 49 shipments between May 18, 1998 and May 3, 1999 at less-than-applicable rates by means of accessing service contracts to which Green Master was not a signatory or affiliate.
   Taiwan-based Green Master is also accused of disregarding its filed tariff in the rages charged to customers on at least 20 shipments, the FMC said.
   The commission also alleges that Transglobal Logistics Forwarding Co. Ltd. attempted to access service contracts to which it was not a signatory or affiliate for at last 73 shipments between May 9, 1998 and March 28, 1999.
   Under the shipping act, the violations carry penalties of up to $27,5000 for ach violation willingly and knowing committed, and up to $5,500 for other violations.