8. Unfair Freight Rates.—
The Merchant Marine Act of June 5, 1920 (see Appendix), forbids and makes a misdemeanor the allowance of deferred rebate of freight to any shipper; the use of fighting ships, i.e., vessels used for reducing competition by driving any carrier out of the trade; retaliation against other shippers by refusal of space accommodations when the same are available, and the making of any unjustly discriminatory contract with any shipper based on the volume of goods offered, or the making of any unjustly discriminatory charge against any shipper in the matter of accommodations, loading and landing or settlement of claims. The Shipping Board is authorized to investigate alleged violations of these provisions and the Secretary of Commerce is directed to refuse the right of entry to any ship owned or operated by a carrier whom the Shipping Board has found to be guilty of such violations.