In 2007, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) issued a decision that cancelled the joint rate making agreement of the Household Goods Carrier Bureau as of January 1, 2008.  The STB's decision is having a definite impact on the household goods industry.  This decision has, in effect, eliminated the ability to reference a single industry "price list" to determine the charges for shipments. Until now, the motor carrier industry has been one of only a few industries operating with an exemption from the antitrust laws that allowed for a jointly made price list.
 
For now, it is business as usual as NRI contracts do not expire until October 31, 2008.
 
Moving forward, NRI will complete the work of developing our own tariff.
Between now and October 1 we will be determining the carriers that will be invited to bid for our business.  As always, we will be selecting our suppliers based on their ability to provide outstanding customer service as well as fair pricing.  Each of the carriers selected will agree to a single factor rate based on weight and mileage. 
 
This will simplify rates, making pricing more straightforward and invoices easier to understand.  We do not anticipate that this new rate structure will change overall pricing substantially and will update you prior to our new contract going into effect.