Lowden v. Simonds-Shields-Lonsdale Grain Co., 306 U.S. 516 (1939)

Please note: this case begins in mid-page. It therefore shares a citation with the last page of the previous case. If you are attempting to follow a link to the last page of 306 U.S. 511, click here.

Lowden v. Simonds-Shields-Lonsdale Grain Co.


No. 342


Argued January 30, 31, 1939
Decided March 27, 1939
306 U.S. 516

CERTIORARI TO THE CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT

Syllabus

1. Upon the facts of this case, held that, within the meaning of a tariff provision, there were "prior arrangements" covering "a specified period of time," between a shipper and the railroad for the installation of grain doors in cars furnished to the shipper, and that the shipper was liable for the tariff charge for such service. P. 520.

2. A shipper cannot escape liability to pay lawful tariff charges for carrier service by disclaiming liability when ordering it; nor can the carrier lawfully yield to such disclaimer. Id.

Involuntary rebates from tariff rates should be viewed with the same disapproval as voluntary rebates.

3. Where, after the commencement of a suit by a railroad to recover from a shipper a tariff charge of $1.00 per car for a service rendered, the Interstate Commerce Commission determined that a charge higher than 60¢ per car for such service was unreasonable and authorized reparations accordingly, the railroad was entitled to recover upon its claim reduced pro tanto. P. 521.

97 F.2d 816 reversed.

Certiorari, 305 U.S. 587, to review the affirmance of a judgment in favor of the shipper, 18 F.Supp. 438, in a suit brought by the trustees of a railroad company to recover for carrier services.