FMC v. Seatrain Lines, Inc., 411 U.S. 726 (1973)

Federal Maritime Commission v. Seatrain Lines, Inc.


No. 71-1647


Argued March 21, 1973
Decided May 14, 1973
411 U.S. 726

CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT

Syllabus

In enacting § 15 of the Shipping Act, 1916, Congress conferred on the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) the power to exempt from the antitrust laws agreements, or those portions of agreements, between carriers that create an ongoing arrangement in which both parties undertake continuing responsibilities, and which therefore necessitate continuous FMC supervision, but not one-time acquisition of assets agreements that result in one of the contracting parties ceasing to exist. Pp. 731-746.

148 U.S.App.D.C. 424, 460 F.2d 932, affirmed.

MARSHALL, J., delivered the opinion for a unanimous Court.