Sinotrans classified as controlled carrier

The US
Federal Maritime Commission FMC) has confirmed that Sinotrans Con-tamer Lines
(Sinolines) will for the first time be classed as a 'controlled carrier'. This status means that
the line is deemed to be owned or controlled by a government and, under the 1984
Shipping Act, is subject to special oversight by the FMC.
As a controlled carrier involved
in the trades to and from the US, Sinotrans is now no longer allowed to switch tariffs to suit
market conditions with only 24 hours public notice. Instead, it has to announce its inten-
tions and wait a further 30 days before mak-ing any rate changes.
Shanghai Hai Hua
Shipping, which was first eategorised as a controlled carrier in January 2002, is now being
deleted from the list as the company does not operate any ships on foreign trades to and
from the US.
However China Shipping Container Lines remains on the list, despite its
request to he removed from it.