Number: RL34663
Title: Reauthorization of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC): Opportunity to Reexamine the Congressionally Mandated Antitrust Exemption for Ocean Liner Carriers?
Authors: John Frittelli, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report provides some historical and commercial context for evaluating these questions. After describing the types of agreements liner carriers have made with one another, the report discusses the historical rationale for providing liner carriers with antitrust immunity and how U.S. law has changed over time. Next, it describes Europe's and Asia's approach to liner conferences. The report then profiles U.S. overseas container trade, describing its importance to the U.S. economy, its underlying economics, and the reasons for the recent export container shortage. The report concludes by discussing stakeholder views and issues for Congress. The focus of this report is on the commercial aspects of the U.S. liner trade. It does not provide a legal analysis of antitrust immunity as it applies to liner carriers.
Pages: 22
Date: September 18, 2008