Evaluation of the Licensing System under the Port Transportation Business Taw and Discussion of the itinaganent structure for Harbor Forvancling Agents and Longshoring Operators

Abstract

Among those licensed under Japan's Port Transportation Business Law, only agents (common carriers) are allowed to contract shippers and shipping companies for cargoloading and landing and to supervise the free on board activities. However, other cargo-handling agents licensed under the law, which include harbor forwarding agents and longshoring operators, are only allowed to subcontract these agents (common carriers). This paper examines these extremely closed loading and unloading systems of Japanese harbors by referring to the historical background of this law.