New Zealand forwarders face cartel accusations
20 / 12 / 2021
The New Zealand Commerce Commission has filed civil proceedings in the country’s High Court against Mondiale Freight Services. Photo: Mondiale Freight Services
Mondiale Freight Services Limited (Mondiale) and Oceanbridge Shipping Limited are facing civil court proceedings following accusations of cartel activity.
The New Zealand Commerce Commission has filed civil proceedings in the country’s High Court against Mondiale and Oceanbridge Shipping Limited, along with four individuals associated with the companies, alleging each company entered into and gave effect to cartel agreements.
According to a media release on the Commission’s website: “The Commission alleges the defendants agreed with competing freight forwarders not to compete for their customers.
“These were separate cartels and the Commission does not allege Oceanbridge and Mondiale entered into any agreements with each other. The competing freight forwarders also purchased freight forwarding services from the defendants.”
The Commission said it has agreed settlements to resolve the separate proceedings with each of the defendants. A penalty hearing will be scheduled shortly.
The alleged arrangements in this case relate to agreements reached prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, said the Commission.
Mondiale Freight Services CEO Ray Meade told Air Cargo News: “We have cooperated fully with the Commerce Commission from the outset. We have always put a high value on being an ethical business and will make no further comment while this matter is before the High Court.”
Mondiale is New Zealand’s largest privately-owned freight forwarder. Its international freight division includes import/export air freight, import/export sea freight, supply chain consultancy, warehousing and distribution and IT solutions.
Oceanbridge has grown to be one of the leading consolidators of cargo to and from New Zealand. The company specialises in the shipping and freight business on an international level working with agents in most countries around the world. Oceanbridge is a privately owned New Zealand company employing over 140 people.
