NVOs Move Closer to Private Rate Arrangements

The Federal Maritime Commission will hold a public meeting May 24 to gather comments about a proposed rule designed to exempt licensed non-vessel-operating common carriers from the legal requirement to maintain published tariffs.

Under the proposal, NVOs that reach "negotiated rate arrangements" with shippers will be exempt from the tariff requirement. NVOs will memorialize the rates and terms for each shipment agreed to with the customer, and keep them on file. NVOs also will maintain rules tariffs, and make them available to the public without charge.

The meeting will take place in the commission's hearing room at 800 N. Capitol St. in Washington, D.C. The commission has not set a time.

Source: JOC Sailings