A group of shipping companies who have associated to offer regular services on specific routes at published rates. Sometimes referred to as liner shipping. Non conference shipping lines are sometimes referred to as independent or outsiders.

a consortium of shipping companies serving specific transport regions on the basis of common contractual terms, prices and timetables

a luncheon of the US chapter of the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA)

an association of liner companies operating under an agreement to provide service on common trade routes and which collectively agree on rates and terms of service

In export contexts, a "conference" is an agreement between ship owners, which rationalises sailing schedules and stabilises freight rates.

A maritime term referring to an association of steamship lines operating over a specific trade route. Members have uniform service standards and freight rates.

agreement by shipping companies of different ownership and nationality, that operate services between the same range of ports, to regulate the freight rates they will charge for each type of goods carried. In some cases the agreement also allocates a specified number of sailings to each company.

Two or more shipowners providing liner services on the same trading route with an agreement to charge identical freight rates. Synonyms: freight conference; liner conference.

An association of ship owners operating in the same specific trade route who, by agreement, operate under collective conditions of carriage and tariff rates.

A group of vessel operators joined together for the purpose of establishing freight rates.