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Show 82 convenience and necessity" issued by the Commission.48 Broad discretion is vested in the Commission by the Act's requirement that a certificate shall issue to an applicant only upon a Com- mission finding that the proposed service "is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity." * While a certificate must specify the route over which a carrier may operate and while the Commission may attach reasonable conditions to the exercise of the privileges granted by a certifi- cate, it is expressly provided that no limitations shall restrict the carrier's right to add to its equipment, facilities, or service within the scope of such certificate, or its right:°° to extend its services over uncompleted portions of water- way projects now or hereafter authorized by Congress, over the completed portions of which it already operates, as soon as such uncompleted portions are open for navi- gation. In the case of contract carriers, the Commission has similar authority through its power to grant permits.51 Intercarrier Relations.-Reference has already been made to the provision for establishment of through routes and joint rates. Also noteworthy in this connection is a 1948 amend- ment placing responsibility on the Commission to approve or disapprove agreements between two or more carriers relating to rates and certain other matters; parties to an approved agreement are relieved from the operation of the antitrust laws as to the making and carrying out of such agreement.52 Likewise, extensive provisions cover combinations and con- solidations of carriers, and other means of acquisition of con- trol.53 These provisions include a prohibition against owner- ship or control by a railroad of any common carrier by water operating through the Panama Canal or elsewhere, with which it does or may compete, provision being made for exceptions other than in the case of a Panama Canal carrier. 48 § 309a, 54 Stat. 941, 49 U. S. C. 909. 4» § 309e, 54 Stat. 942, 49 U. S. G. 909. 80 § 309d, 54 Stat. 942, 49 U. S. O. 909. 81 § 309f, 54 Stat. 942, 49 U. S. 0. 909. M Act of June 17,1948, 62 Stat..472, as amended, 49 U. S. C. 5b (Supp. III). M Act of February 4,1887, § 5, 24 Stat. 379, 380, as amended, 49 U. S. C. 5. |
