You may recall, back in 2020, the Intermodal Carrier Conference (IMCC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) brought a complaint to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) against the ocean carriers asserting the ocean carriers were in violation of the Shipping Act for mandating the brand of chassis motor carriers could use on merchant haulage moves.

The IMCC claimed $1.8B in damages due to the ocean carriers leveraging of their combined carrier and merchant haulage volumes in order to obtain better pricing from the chassis providers. Meanwhile, the motor carriers were forced to use the ocean carrier’s selected chassis provider at a much higher rate.

The FMC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge, Erin Wirth, gave the IMCC a resounding win and agreed the ocean carriers were in violation of the Shipping Act. In the ruling Judge Wirth states, “Where an exclusive arrangement has been contractually created by the ocean carrier, and where this prevents a motor carrier from using a chassis at at lower rate from an alternative chassis provider of its choice, the motor carrier is financially harmed and the market for chassis is restrained.”

The ocean carriers will appeal the ruling so stay tuned.

Latest News

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

In a huge win for motor carriers and cargo owners alike, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) sided with motor carriers in their suit against ocean carriers regarding the ability to use chassis of their choice. A bit of history...in 2020, the American Trucking...

A WARM WELCOME

We join the Port of Oakland in welcoming Carolyn Almquist as the port's new Maritime Marketing Manager. Ms. Almquist was with APL/CMA-CGM for 25 years before coming on board at the Port of Oakland.

OICT ADDS HOOT SHIFT

To help clear a backlog of vessels, SSA in Oakland will temporarily operate a hoot shift (0300-0800). But, do not get too excited, it is for vessel operations only. The terminals gates will remain closed to truck traffic.

NAME THAT PART

Do you know what this part is? Hint, it is something used in truck or container transportation. Play "Name That Part" on our Facebook page. Click here to be directed to our page and place your guess. Good luck!

ILA UPDATE

In March 2023, International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) President Harold Daggett instructed the local unions to cease contract negations covering local benefits and work rules. In a turn of events, Daggett has now given the locals not only a green light to...

Share This