DHL Global Forwarding, said to be the ringleader in fixing prices and inflating surcharges in the forwarding business between 2002 and 2007, will more than likely be granted immunity from prosecution and fines by the Singapore antitrust authorities, according to Reuters.
The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) was investigating 11 forwarding companies, including DHL Global Forwarding for price-fixing. “DHL Global Forwarding will be granted immunity from prosecution and fines by the CCS as a result of its cooperation with the CCS under its leniency program,” said Deutsche Post, the parent company of the DHL division.
The other companies said to be involved in the illegal activity are Hankyo Hanshin Express, K Line Logistics, MOL Logistics, Kintetsu World Express Inc., Nippon Express Co., Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Nissin Corp., Vantec Corp., Yamato Holdings Co. and Yusen Logistics Co.
The investigation was launched when one of the forwarders applied for immunity in the alleged cartel. Japan-based K Line Logistics said it is taking the matter seriously and said it will work to improve compliance management. Kintetsu, MOL Logistics and Yamato Holdings did not comment, while the others said they were looking into the matter. DHL’s mail, express, and supply chain divisions were not a subject of the investigation.
However, the Loadstar reports that a group of shippers that are plaintiffs in the case have accused DHL of continuing to fix prices after October 2007, when it reported the price fixing to the U.S. Department of Justice. In their suit, the plaintiffs claim the antitrust activity continued from November 2007 until January 2011.