Chicago, etc. v. Acme Freight, Inc., 336 U.S. 465 (1949)
U.S. Supreme Court
Chicago, etc. v. Acme Freight, Inc., 336 U.S. 465 (1949)
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pac. R. Co. v. Acme Fast Freight, Inc.
No. 65
Argued December 8, 1948
Decided April 4, 1949
336 U.S. 465
CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT
Under Part IV of the Interstate Commerce Act, and specifically 49 U.S.C. § 1013, a freight forwarder is a shipper (rather than an initial carrier) vis-a-vis the railroads, and must file loss or damage claims against them within the nine-month period specified in the railroad bill of lading. Pp. 336 U. S. 466-489.
1. The language and legislative history of § 1013 clearly indicate that forwarders were not given the right over under 49 U.S.C. § 20(12) against the railroads. Pp. 336 U. S. 470-476.
2. A contrary construction would be out of harmony with the previously existing relationship between forwarders and carriers regulated by Parts I, II, and III of the Interstate Commerce Act, which relationship Part IV accepted and continued. Pp. 336 U. S. 476-479.