FMC EXPANDS TRANSPACIFIC INVESTIGATION

   The Federal Maritime Commission has expanded its investigation into
alleged abuses by eastbound transpacific carriers during last year’s peak
shipping season.
   The FMC has ordered members of the Asia North America Eastbound Rate Agreement (ANERA) to show why they should not be found guilty of shipping act violations. Those alleged violations include refusing to honor service contracts and charging above tariff rates.
   The FMC said Sea-Land opted out of 183 contracts, Maersk opted out of
13, "K" Line 12, Hapag-Lloyd eight, APL three, and P&O Nedlloyd and Mitsui O.S.K. one each.
   The FMC is continuing its investigation into practices by members of the
Transpacific Stabilization Agreement, which includes ANERA lines, between
last July and October.
   The FMC wants more evidence on allegations that carriers refused space
or equipment to shippers under existing contract rates, demanded
above-tariff rates, and refused to deal with non-vessel-operating common
carriers unless they paid premium rates.