NVOs, NIT League develop confidential contracts proposal for FMC

NVOs, NIT League develop confidential contracts proposal for FMC    Leading non-vessel-operating common carriers and shippers of the National Industrial Transportation League have developed a unified proposal for the Federal Maritime Commission that would authorize NVOs to enter confidential rate and service agreements with shippers, Shippers' NewsWire has learned.
   The presentation of a consensus plan to the commission is intended to demonstrate there is broad support for action that NVOs see as leveling the playing field with vessel operators.
   NVOs and shippers are said to be seeking swift action from the FMC.
   The change in the unified position would fundamentally alter the ocean transportation marketplace. The 1998 Ocean Shipping Reform Act allowed vessel operators, but not NVOs, to enter confidential service contracts with shippers. Arrangements between NVOs and shippers must be made under the process of published tariff rates.
   Relief from OSRA contracting prohibitions and tariff reform has been sought in FMC petitions filed individually in 2003 and 2004 by UPS, FedEx, C.H. Robinson, Danzas, BDP, Ocean World Lines and the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.
   Additional information is expected to emerge from a press conference this morning called by the NIT League.