Shipping lines increase pressure over pricing
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• Container hauliers face continuing uncertainty in the New Year as the major shipping lines step up their resistance to moves from Brussels to diminish their power over European haulage.
A decision by the European Commission to prohibit members of the Far Eastern Freight Conference from fixing prices for the inland transport of containers is to be strongly fought.
The FEFC says it will appeal against "this unfortunate decision".
A spokesman for the shipping lines says: "It could take three months or so or it could take three years." Meanwhile, FEFC members will continue to impose agreed haulage rates on European importers and exporters.
Notice of the appeal ends any chance to settle the argument quickly over the relationship between shipping lines, importers and exporters and hauliers.
The FEFC, which comprises 14 shipping lines including P&O Containers, NYK, NedNO and CGN, argues that it has the legal right to impose agreed haulage rates on customers.
Importers and exporters, including those represented by the British Shippers Council, say the arrangement works against both themselves and hauliers.
Meanwhile, shipping line members of the Trans Atlantic Agreement say they will appeal against a similar Commission decision against them.