FMC commissioner red-flags Congress on China’s container monopoly

The results of a yearlong investigation into China’s monopoly over ocean container production are being highlighted to lawmakers to illustrate the potential threat to the U.S. economy.

Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel, who released a report on the investigation publicly on Wednesday, wants to spark a policy debate on the long-term implications of the country’s “complete reliance” on Chinese container manufacturing.

“Chinese container manufacturing clearly took steps together to suppress...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fmc-commissioner-red-flags-congress-on-chinas-container-monopoly

Rail economist: STB’s new rule helping ‘captive’ shippers needs testing

A photograph of a rail yard with several rows of parked intermodal containers and hopper cars.

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has established a final rule aimed at streamlining the process to determine market dominance in rate reasonableness proceedings, although whether the rule will function as intended remains to be seen.

“This appears to be a significant step in the right direction for shippers and railroads. It streamlines the market dominance test for rate cases that had turned into an incredibly burdensome and complex process,” said former STB chairman and transportation...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/rail-economist-stbs-new-rule-helping-captive-shippers-needs-testing