Jennifer Driscoll Discusses Antitrust Case Against Shipping Container Manufacturers

Hinshaw partner Jennifer Driscoll was quoted in a recent Global Competition Review article discussing the significance of recent price-fixing antitrust charges brought by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) against the world’s largest shipping container manufacturers.

Last month, the DOJ charged China International Marine Containers, Dong Fang International Containers, CXIC Group, Singamas Container, and seven individuals with unlawfully restricting output and raising prices for standard shipping containers from 2019 to early 2024.

A proposed class action has now been filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of US importers seeking damages, restitution, and disgorgement of profits. A wave of private litigation is anticipated in the wake of the DOJ’s criminal charges.

Jennifer said this appeared to be one of the most significant cross-border cases the Antitrust Division has initiated in a long time. “There is a risk that discovery in the civil case could compromise or interfere with the criminal investigation, which is usually closely safeguarded by the Antitrust Division so that they can ensure they prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” she explained.

Jennifer added that the Antitrust Division’s prosecution of shipping container companies and executives “may be a sign that the Division intends to revitalize its criminal enforcement, which in turn will bring about more private lawsuits seeking damages for criminal misconduct.”

• • Global Competition Review: “Shipping container suits expected to follow sprawling DOJ case” (June 9, 2026)