FMC Asks for More Information on OakPass Plans

The Federal Maritime Commission voted to request more information on plans for an extended hours program at the Port of Oakland (see 1508240005), the agency said on Sept. 2 (here). "The Commission has concerns about the program being proposed based on an initial review and comments received from various stakeholders who would be impacted by the program," said the FMC. The program, called OakPass, is modeled after the "OffPeak" PierPass program at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The National Industrial Transportation League and other industry commenters recently asked that more details of the program be made public before the FMC gives approval (see 1508200011). "The Commission believes additional transparency by the parties will greatly aid in its analysis of this important issue," said the FMC. "After the agreement parties have fully responded to the information request, a new 45-day review period will begin. Commission staff will continue their economic review to determine whether the proposed amendment is likely, by a reduction in competition, to produce an unreasonable reduction in transportation service or an unreasonable increase in transportation cost."