Opinion ID: 493218
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Tariff Restructuring

Text: 23 Petitioner also attempts to avail itself of the exemption for collective action on changes in tariff structures. 49 U.S.C. Sec. 10706(b)(3)(D)(iii). However, this exemption is restricted to industry average costs, and it specifically excludes collective discussion of individual markets. Id. The ICC has interpreted this exemption to encompass only a broad restructuring of the manner in which rate bureaus organize or calculate tariffs and to exclude the aggregation of many individual and specific rate adjustments. See Motor Carrier Rate Bureaus--Implementation of PL 96-296, 364 I.C.C. 464, 493-94 (1980), aff'd in pertinent part sub nom. American Trucking Ass'n v. United States, 688 F.2d 1337 (11th Cir.1982), rev'd on other grounds, 467 U.S. 354, 104 S.Ct. 2458, 81 L.Ed.2d 282 (1984); see also Collectively Set Accessorial Rates and Charges on Household Goods, ICC Docket No. M-30371 (slip op. Nov. 22, 1985). 24 Again, we find nothing unreasonable in the Commission's interpretation; its conclusion that collective discussion of the rates in a particular locality is an impermissible discussion of individual markets is amply supported by the legislative history of the Act. See H.Rep. No. 1069, 96th Cong., 2d Sess. 28 (single-line rates, when not based on industry average costs, are to be determined by individual carriers based on their own cost structures), reprinted in 1980 U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 2283, 2310. As we previously have discussed, there is substantial evidence in the record to support the ICC's determination that, in raising terminal rates to match those charged by other bureaus, petitioner violated the express provisions of the statute by considering individual markets.