From various well informed sources we have been advised that the cartel investigation centres Deutsche Post DHL, DSV (specifically ABX Logistics), Kuehne + Nagel, Panalpina and Schenker.

Forwarders that have also been citied include EGL (now Ceva Logistics), UTI, UPS, Expeditors Intl, Hellmann Worldwide, Nippon Express and Yusen Air & Sea.

As reported previously, DHL has applied for leniency and has been granted conditional immunity. So far we are not aware of any other leniency applicants.

The EU Commission is investigating allegations that several freight forwarders fixed prices by colluding on the imposition, level, timing and application of various surcharges for air cargo shipments. The Commission launched its investigation back in October 2007 with raids on the premises of various large international freight forwarders. The probe extends an investigation into allegations of price-fixing among airlines that has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in fines against air carriers and jail sentences for a handful of airline cargo officials. (ds)