Rate Filing Policies for Inland Water Transportation: An Experimental Approach

This study uses laboratory experiments to explore the possible consequences of a proposed rate publication policy for the domestic, dry bulk commodity transportation industry on inland waterways. The central problem is to determine the effects of a requirement that a carrier must file a proposed rate change with the Interstate Commerce Commission at least fifteen days before the rate change is to become effective. The study concludes that in laboratory markets that have many of the essential economic features of the barge industry, rate filing policies cause higher prices, lower volume, and reduced efficiency, and they hurt the small participants. Claims that rate filing policies would improve the operations of markets with these economic features are not supported by the laboratory research conducted to date.