Hearing on “Pier Pressure: Regulation and Competition in Maritime Shipping”

Judiciary: House Committee · March 17, 2026

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Chair opening: purpose and historical context

Presentation

7:25 → 16:25(8m 60s)

Chairman Fitzgerald opened the hearing to examine the statutory antitrust exemption in the Shipping Act of 1916, reviewed the history of 'conference' agreements among ocean carriers, noted market concentration trends (top carriers controlling a growing share of capacity), and said the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has authority it has not used to challenge carrier agreements.

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A House subcommittee hearing examined the Shipping Act of 1916 antitrust exemption for ocean carriers, with witnesses urging repeal or stronger enforcement and members pressing the Federal Maritime Commission for greater transparency and DOJ/FTC involvement.

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Transcript

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