NIT LEAGUE STUDIES CENSUS’ FREIGHT COST DATA REQUIREMENT

   The National Industrial Transportation League has requested a meeting with U.S. Census Bureau officials to discuss the agency’s requirements for freight cost data.
   "It’s presenting a major blip on our radar screen," said Peter J. Gatti,
director of policy for the NIT League, based in Arlington, Va. "Having to present this information to Census appears to erode the intent of
confidential service contracts."
   The Ocean Shipping Reform Act allows shippers to create confidential
service contracts. But Census says it still requires freight cost data for
its trade statistics. That information is often collected from customs
brokers through Customs on behalf of Census.
   Some shippers fear their brokers may leak freight costs to competitors
by accident or for their own gain.
   NIT League’s attorneys are reviewing Census’ trade data requirements. "Shippers need to know why Census requires this information," Gatti said.