Federal Maritime Commission
Washington , D.C. 20573

 FMC HOLDS INDUSTRY BRIEFING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION LEAGUE

 NR 05-09

CONTACT: BRYANT L. VANBRAKLE (202) 523-5725; e-mail: secretary@fmc.gov

FOR RELEASE:  MAY 19, 2005

            On Tuesday May 17, 2005, the Federal Maritime Commission (“FMC”) held the fourth in a series of briefings by representatives of the shipping industry and maritime community. The briefings are intended to foster a greater awareness and understanding of the current issues and concerns affecting the various interests involved with the United States foreign commerce.

             The briefing was presented by the following representatives from the National Industrial Transportation League (“NITL”): Albert Saphir, Principal, ABS Consulting; Werner Weiss, International Transportation and Compliance Leader, Owens Corning Corp.; Inga Kerutis, International Carrier Relations Manager, JCP Logistics, L.P.; William McCurdy, Logistics and Commerce Counsel, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and  Company; Peter H. Powell, Chief Executive Officer, C.H. Powell Company; and Garry Mansell, Managing Director, Freight Traders, Ltd.  Peter Gatti, Executive Vice President of NITL, served as the moderator.  John B. Ficker, President of NITL, and as well as other NITL members also attended the briefing.

             The Chairman, Commissioners and staff from all of the Commission’s offices and bureaus were briefed on a number of issues facing this vital segment of the United States transportation system.  NITL representatives provided their insight and perspective on many issues and challenges facing the shipping public, including security, congestion, NVOCC Service Arrangement ("NSA") contracting authority, free time/demurrage and the current status of the European Commission’s review of liner antitrust immunity.

             The NITL panel briefing furthered Chairman Blust’s goal of broadening the Commission’s understanding of the current events shaping the maritime industry.  Chairman Blust stated, “the NITL briefing highlighted important issues and provided valuable insight to the concerns of an important segment of our stakeholders – the shipping public.”  Chairman Blust announced that future industry briefings are being scheduled with passenger vessel operators, marine terminal operators, and other segments of the maritime community.

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