SMC3 Seeks to Go Nationwide, but Shipper Groups Are Wary

wo national shippers’ organizations said they were concerned that trucking freight rate increases could follow if a request by the Southern Motor Carriers Rate Conference seeking authority to establish nationwide trucking tariffs is approved.

SMC3, one of the handful of regional rate bureaus, said it was asking the Surface Transportation Board to allow it to establish baseline less-than-truckload rates across the country, taking advantage of a recent change in federal law permitting the board to grant such authority.

SMC3 President Jack Middleton said nationwide authority would allow his group to establish its own nationwide baseline rates, an opportunity the organization said would reduce costs for fleets and shippers.