Trucking claims victory in intermodal chassis choice case

American Trucking Associations’ Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference said it secured a significant initial win over ocean carriers as a Federal Maritime Commission administrative law judge ruled that requiring motor carriers to use specific intermodal chassis providers to move containers violates the Shipping Act.

“This victory has been a long time coming,” said IMCC Executive Director Jonathan Eisen. “The decision is the first step in putting a stop to the practice of foreign-owned shipping lines forcing American drivers and motor carriers to use specific equipment providers to move goods – which will help reduce supply chain delays and cut costs for carriers and consumers.”

IMCC filed its complaint against the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association, Consolidated Chassis Management, and the world’s largest ocean carriers with the FMC in 2020, alleging, among other things, that they have denied motor carriers the ability to choose their provider when leasing this essential equipment, heaping unjust and unreasonable prices upon trucking companies.

“The ocean carrier’s practices of prohibiting motor carriers from using the provider of their choice when they are paying for the chassis has held U.S. motor carriers hostage and forced them to subsidize the shipping lines,” Eisen said. “We are pleased the judge agreed and we look forward to ending these unreasonable and unjust practices permanently.”

Nebraska issues another hours of service waiver for fuel haulers

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has issued an emergency declaration as a result of fuel shortages due to high demand, prompting an hours of service waiver for fuel haulers in the state.

Drivers transporting gasoline or gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane and biodiesel in Nebraska are exempt from the hours of service regulations in 49 CFR Part 395 through Feb. 28.

Pillen noted that the declaration was necessary because “commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers are engaged in the business of transporting fuel from further distances and waiting longer at terminals in order to meet needs.”

Nebraska was one of eight states included in a Regional Emergency Declaration issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in January, effective through Feb. 15, for drivers hauling gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.