TSA SUPPORTS CONFIDENTIALITY FOR CONTRACTS

   The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement says it has reaffirmed a policy
for its member lines to uphold their commitments to keep shipper/carrier
service contracts confidential.
   The U.S. Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which takes effect May 1, allows key terms of service contracts to remain confidential. Shippers no longer will
be able to insist on the same terms that carriers similarly situated
shippers.
   There has been widespread speculation about whether contract terms will
remain secret, particularly within conferences and discussion agreement
such as the TSA.
   Albert Pierce, managing director of the TSA, said the group’s individual
members undoubtedly will include confidentiality clauses, and "it is TSA’s
clear policy to support observance of all agreed-upon contract provisions."