U.S. shippers skeptical of 'new' TAA. (Trans-Atlantic Agreement) (Newsfront)

They say it's step in right direction but falls short. They'll wait for action, not words, from conference.

U.S. shippers gave a lukewarm greeting to the revisions in the Trans-Atlantic Agreement.

Some called it "window dressing" to "appease" the European Commission.

"I'm a skeptic, especially when the TAA says they are going to do something for shippers," said Geoffrey N. Giovanetti, director of the Wine & Spirits Shippers Association.

TAA officials, meanwhile, said they were confident the Federal Maritime Commission would allow the revised agreement to take effect in late August. "We don't see any problems with the FMC," said Harold L. Holden, TAA's U.S.-based executive director.

FMC officials did not immediately cite any red flags that might prompt rejection, but they promised to review the agreement carefully during the 45 days (from the July 5 filing date) that the commission has to act.

"We will be giving this a hard look," said Robert Burgoin, …