What was the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Commission?
Q: What was the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Commission?
A: The primary purpose of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was to regulate railroads and later the trucking industry in order to ensure fair rates, eliminate rate discrimination, and regulate other aspects of common carriers.
Q: When was the Interstate Commerce Act passed?
A: The Interstate Commerce Act was passed in 1887.
Q: What other modes of commerce did Congress expand ICC authority to regulate?
A: Congress expanded ICC authority to regulate public transport bus service, telephone companies, and other modes of commerce beginning in 1906.
Q: Who appointed members for the Commission?
A: Members for the Commission were appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate.
Q: What powers did ICC have to investigate violations or wrongdoing?
A: The Commission had authority to investigate violations of its Act and stop any wrongdoing. However, early orders from ICC required an order from a federal court before they became effective.
Q: What made ICC unique compared to other regulatory bodies?
A: The Commission was unique because it was both an independent regulatory body as well as one that regulated big businesses in the U.S., making it one of a kind at its time.
Q: When did ICC cease operations?
A: The agency ceased operations in 1995 when its remaining functions were transferred to Surface Transportation Board.
