[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 158 (Tuesday, August 15, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49807-49808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20682]


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FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

[Docket No. 00-10]


Universal Logistic Forwarding Co., Ltd.--Possible Violations of 
Sections 10(a)(1) and 10(b)(1) of the Shipping Act of 1984; Notice of 
Investigation and Hearing

    Notice is given that the Commission, on August 10, 2000, served an 
Order of Investigation and Hearing on Universal Logistic Forwarding 
Co., Ltd. (``Universal''), which is a tariffed and bonded non-vessel-
operating common carrier (``NVOCC''). It appears that, on at least 22 
shipments during the time period May 9 through July 3, 1998, Universal 
obtained or attempted to obtain ocean transportation at less than the 
applicable rates through accessing a service contract to which it was 
not a signatory or affiliate. Further, it appears that, on at least 23 
shipments during the same time period, Universal did not charge the 
rates set forth in its tariff. This proceeding therefore seeks to 
determine (1) whether Universal violated section 10(a)(1) of the 
Shipping Act of 1984 (``Shipping Act''), 46 U.S.C. app. 1709(a)(1), by 
knowingly and willfully, directly or indirectly, by means of false 
billing, false classification, false weighing, false report of weight, 
false measurement, or by any other unjust or unfair device or means, 
obtaining or attempting to obtain ocean transportation for property at 
less than the rates or charges that would otherwise have been 
applicable; (2) whether Universal violated section 10(b)(1) of the 
Shipping Act by charging, demanding, collecting or receiving less or 
different compensation for the transportation of property than the 
rates and charges shown in its NVOCC tariff; (3) whether, in the event 
violations of sections 10(a)(1) or section 10(b)(1) of the Shipping Act 
are found, civil penalties should be assessed

[[Page 49808]]

against Universal and, if so, the amount of penalties to be assessed; 
(4) whether, in the event violations of section 10(b)(1) of the 
Shipping Act are found, Universal's tariff should be suspended; and (5) 
whether, in the event violations are found, an appropriate cease and 
desist order should be issued. The full text of the Order may be viewed 
on the Commission's home page at www.fmc.gov, or at the Office of the 
Secretary, Room 1046, 800 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC. Any 
person may file a petition for leave to intervene in accordance with 46 
CFR 502.72.

Bryant L. VanBrakle,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-20682 Filed 8-14-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6730-01-P