FMC Approves Settlement Between US Carrier, Produce Shippers

The Federal Maritime Commission approved a confidential settlement between U.S. carrier Network Shipping and several produce importers and exporters, the agency said Feb. 20. The importers and exporters -- including Coast Citrus Distributors, which does business as Olympic Fruit & Vegetable; Amazon Produce Network; Refin Tropicals; JW Fresh; Sembríos De Exportación Sembriexport; and Bresson -- accused the carrier in August of failing to provide chassis for certain shipments, causing $2 million in damages and costs (see 2308070050).

The FMC ordered the case dismissed after it said the parties "determined that the settlement reasonably resolves the issues raised in the complaint without the need for costly and uncertain litigation." JW Fresh couldn't be reached. The rest of the companies didn't respond to a request for comment.