WON REPORT ALLEGES ABUSE BY TRANSPACIFIC CARRIERS

   FMC member Del Won’s report on alleged discrimination by transpacific
carriers charges that non-vessel-operating common carriers took the brunt
of the abuse.
   Won’s investigation supports shippers’ charges that the carriers, acting
through the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement, engaged in numerous
discriminatory actions against smaller shippers when during an eastbound
capacity squeeze between July and November.
   NVOs" cargo was "singled out for rejection, reduction or increases by
most carriers, Won said.
   The report cites numerous cases when carriers allegedly refused to carry
cargo under existing contracts, or demanded that the contracts be changed
to increase rates
   The report said the carriers’ action "potentially forebodes much larger
problems when the ocean shipping reform act takes effect … with
confidential service contracts as its centerpiece."