Shipping Act of 1982

Summary

Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to redefine the term "ocean freight forwarder" to mean any person in the United States who for others: (1) dispatches shipments via ocean common carriers; and (2) processes the documentation or performs related activities incident to such shipments. Directs every common carrier by water to file with the Federal Maritime Commission copies of agreements that limit or regulate the membership of ocean carrier conferences. Denies Commission approval to conference agreements that fail to admit to membership at least one carrier operating United States-flag vessel willing to serve the particular trade or route involved. Sets time limits on proceedings to disapprove, cancel, or modify certain agreements. Places the burden of proof on the Commission or such other department or agency that opposes the agreement. Describes procedures for holding Commission hearings to resolve complaints by common carriers by water, shippers, ports, or others subject to this Act. Repeals civil penalty provisions concerning agreement violations. Allows shippers' councils, pursuant to an agreement approved by the Federal Trade Commission, to meet, confer, and: (1) consult and agree in regard to rate levels, practices, and terms and conditions of service; (2) exchange specified information with ocean common carriers or conferences; (3) analyze and distribute such information. Declares that the above shall not restrict the powers of an association organized under the Export Trade Act. Requires shippers' councils to file such agreements with the Federal Trade Commission. Exempts such agreements from the antitrust laws of the United States. Sets forth provisions to be included in such agreements before Commission approval. Repeals provisions concerning the sale of certain Panama Canal bonds. Changes certain criminal penalties for violations of the Shipping Act, 1916, to civil penalties. Revises procedures for assessing such civil penalties. Repeals license requirements for ocean freight forwarders. Requires that forwarders and non-vessel- operating common carriers shall furnish a bond approved by the Federal Maritime Commission.

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Documents

4 official files

• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 15 September 1982

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• Reported to House amended, Part II

  summary · EN · 30 July 1982

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• Reported to House amended, Part I

  summary · EN · 16 June 1982

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 4 August 1981

  Open at official source

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