Must ocean common carriers publish a common tariff?
Yes. The Shipping Act of 1984, as amended requires a conference to keep open for public inspection, in an automated tariff system, a tariff showing all its rates, charges, classifications, rules and practices for the transportation routes served by the conference. This statutory requirement is carried forward in 46 C.F.R. § 520.3(a) of the tariff rules. In addition, 46 C.F.R. § 520.3(b) requires conferences to publish in their automated tariff systems rates offered pursuant to independent action by their members.
