The FTC also issued an order to the companies to discontinue the practice and urged the Japan Aircargo Forwarders Association to prevent a recurrence of a similar act. The FTC believes the association served as a venue for consultations to form a cartel on the charges.
Nippon Express, Japan’s largest general transport company, was ordered to pay about US$26 million, Yusen Air and Sea Service about US$17.8 million, and Kintetsu World Express about US$15.7 million.
The FTC charges that the 12 companies formed a cartel to pass on fuel surcharges imposed by airlines to cargo charges and set a tariff for security charges per cargo shipment from September 2002 to November 2007.