English to Japanese Bus/Financial Transport / Transportation / Shipping 海上輸送

Three types of ocean carriers ship products overseas. The first are conference lines which consist of an association of ocean carriers providing common rates and services. Individual ***conference carriers*** may take independent action and offer shippers lower rates. Also, shippers may form associations to negotiate lower rates with conferences.

The second type of carriers are the independents. Independent rates may be higher than other carriers, but they may also be lower when in direct competition with ***conference carriers***. Both conference and independent carriers operate on regular schedules and trade routes. Independent proprietary carriers include major forest products companies with their own transportation operations. These lines specialize in forest products and other bulk commodity shipping.