Willis Shaw Frozen Express, Inc. v. United States/Opinion of the Court

Appellant applied to the Interstate Commerce Commission under the grandfather clause of the Transportation Act of 1958, § 7(a), 72 Stat. 573, 49 U.S.C. § 303(b)(6), to transport as a common carrier over irregular routes frozen fruits, berries, and vegetables, and frozen seafoods and poultry when transported with such frozen fruits, berries, and vegetables. The Commission granted a certificate which substantially curtailed appellant's prior operations. 89 M.C.C. 377. The District Court affirmed without opinion.

We think United States v. Carolina Freight Carriers Corp., 315 U.S. 475, 62 S.Ct. 722, 86 L.Ed. 971, requires reversal of the judgment and a remand to the Commission for reconsideration in light of appellant's status and performance as a common carrier, the transportation characteristics and marketing pattern of these seasonal agricultural products, and the demonstrated ability of appellant to perform the services.

Reversed and remanded.

Mr. Justice STEWART, Mr. Justice HARLAN and Mr. Justice WHITE dissent, agreeing with the three-judge District Court that the Commission correctly employed the statutory standards prescribed by Congress. 'The precise delineation of the area or the specification of localities which may be serviced has been entrusted by the Congress to the Commission.' United States v. Carolina Carriers Corp., 315 U.S. 475, 480, 62 S.Ct. 722, 726. See also Alton R. Co. v. United States, 315 U.S. 15, 22-23, 62 S.Ct. 432, 436-437, 86 L.Ed. 586.