GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026

Conference Carrier Agreement

In liner shipping, a conference carrier agreement arises when independent carriers on the same trade route collectively fix freight rates, allocate capacity, and standardize conditions of carriage.

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Last updated: 23 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping_conference

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Definition & Explanation

In liner shipping, a conference carrier agreement arises when independent carriers on the same trade route collectively fix freight rates, allocate capacity, and standardize conditions of carriage. These cartel-like arrangements emerged in the nineteenth century and long enjoyed antitrust immunity in many jurisdictions, on the grounds that they ensured tariff stability and regular sailings for shippers. For freight forwarders they provided cost predictability; for competition authorities they represented a persistent concern, since collective rate-setting materially limited shippers' negotiating power. Regulatory reform – most notably the EU's repeal of the liner conference block exemption in 2008 – stripped classic conference agreements of their legal basis across major shipping markets. Vessel-sharing agreements and global carrier alliances have since taken their place.