SMC3 Request to Set National Rates Meets Opposition From DOT, Shippers

ASHINGTON — The Southern Motor Carriers Rate Conference asked the Surface Transportation Board to allow the rate bureau nationwide ratemaking authority for less-than-truckload routes, saying it would allow its members the ability to set rates in the territories where they provide service.

Shippers, other rate bureaus and the Department of Transportation all opposed the request, saying it was not necessary and that there are enough safeguards for effective competition among LTL carriers.

“What we’re saying is we don’t believe it’s equitable or reasonable to have carriers in other regions determine the rate base for our carriers,” John Bagileo, who represented SMC3, told Transport Topics after the hearing.