$1.25-MILLION FINE PROPOSED BY FMC FOR NVO
A Federal Maritime Commission administrative law judge has recommended a
$1.25-million fine against an Australian non-vessel-operating common carrier that the
judge says is bankrupt and out of business.
The FMC judge, Norman D. Kline, said Refrigerated Containers Carriers,
Ltd., handled hundreds of shipments under unlawful rates that were
facilitated by a secret agreement with FESCO Australia North America Line.
Kline recommended that the FMC levy the maximum fines allowed under the law,
which amounts to $25,000 for each willful violation. Though payment of the full amount is
unlikely, the agency can file a claim against the NVO’s
$50,000 surety bond.