conference

An association of ship owners operating in the same trade route who operate under collective conditions and agree on tariff rates. (MARAD2)

An affiliation of shipowners operating over the same route(s) who agree to charge uniform rates and other terms of carriage. A conference is "closed" if one can enter only by the consent of existing members of the conference. It is "open" if anyone can enter by meeting certain technical and financial standards. Conference members are common carriers.