Associations representing U.S. agricultural commodities have petitioned the Federal Maritime Commission to investigate the apparent shortage of containers.  It is alleged that shippers are returning empty containers rapidly to China and other Asian nations to satisfy the demand for export of manufactured goods. This is to the detriment of U.S. producers of non-bulk commodities.

Legislation makes it unlawful for carriers to unreasonably refuse to deal or negotiate with prospective consigners or to boycott or take concerted action to restrict the provision of services.