United States Ocean Shipping: The History, Development, and Decline of the Conference Antitrust Exemption

Since the beginning of this century, the United States has attempted to regulate the shipping industry through governmental oversight. In this article, Messrs. Fawcett and Nolan examine the Shiping Act of 1916, and consider whether it has been misinterpreted by recent judicial interpretations. The authors conclude that the courts' application of United States antitrust laws to the activities of shipping conferences is contrary to congressional intent and the best interests of the industry and American commerce.