Shipping Act of 1982

Summary

Shipping Act of 1981 - Declares the objectives of United States regulation of international liner shipping, including: (1) to develop and maintain an efficient ocean transportation system through commercial means; (2) to foster reliable and responsible service by ocean common carriers and conferences; and (3) to permit cooperation among carriers. Authorizes specified conference and intermodal activities of ocean common carriers or other persons subject to this Act. Lists authorized activities of shippers' councils. Requires that a copy of every agreement entered into with respect to such activities be filed with the Federal Maritime Commission. Sets forth required contents of conference and shippers' council agreements. Describes criteria by which the Commission shall approve, modify, or reject such agreements. Authorizes a conference or ocean common carrier engaged in foreign commerce to utilize loyalty contracts according to certain requirements. Exempts specified agreements, contracts, and activities from the antitrust laws of the United States. Directs ocean common carriers to file with the Commission, and keep open to public inspection, tariffs showing all rates between all points on each carrier's routes. Sets forth procedures for rate changes and refunds of rate charges. Prohibits a controlled carrier from maintaining rates in its tariffs that are below a level that is just and reasonable. Describes standards by which such rates shall be approved or disapproved. Provides for Presidential review of any order of suspension or final order of disapproval of rates of a controlled carrier. Exempts specified carriers from the provisions of this Act. Requires that ocean freight forwarders and non-vessel-operating common carriers shall furnish a bond approved by the Commission. Directs that ocean common carriers shall compensate ocean freight forwarders in a specified manner. Prohibits certain acts by ocean common carriers, including: (1) rebating or refunding any portion of rates except in accordance with a tariff; (2) charging rates that are unreasonably low; or (3) making unfair or unjustly discriminatory contracts with shippers. Restricts certain acts by shippers, ocean freight forwarders, non-vessel-operating common carriers, and other persons. Authorizes ocean common carriers, shippers, or other persons to file with the Commission a complaint alleging a violation of this Act. Describes procedures for the investigation and adjudication of such complaints. Assesses civil penalties for violations of this Act. Makes provisions concerning orders of the Commission relating to violations of this Act or regulations hereunder. Permits the Commission to exempt any specified activity or class of agreements between ocean common carriers or other persons subject to this Act from the requirements of this Act.

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Documents

2 official files

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 25 May 1982

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 3 August 1981

  Open at official source

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