(a) Generally. Except for service contracts, the rates, charges, classifications, rules or regulations of controlled carriers may not, unless the Commission has granted special permission, become effective sooner than the 30th day after the date of publication.

(b) Open rates—(1) Generally. Controlled carriers that are members of conference agreements publishing rates for commodities designated as open by the conference are subject to the 30-day controlled carrier notice requirement, except when special permission is granted by the Commission under § 565.8.

(2) Conference publication of reduced open rates. Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a conference may, on less than 30 days' notice, publish reduced rates on behalf of controlled carrier members for open-rated commodities:

(i) At or above the minimum level set by the conference; or

(ii) At or above the level set by a member of the conference that has not been determined by the Commission to be a controlled carrier subject to section 9 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40701-40706).

(c) Independent action rates of controlled carriers. Conferences may publish on behalf of their controlled carrier members lower independent action rates on less than 30 days' notice, subject to the requirements of their basic agreements and subject to such rates being published at or above the level set by a member of the conference that has not been determined by the Commission to be a controlled carrier subject to section 9 of the Shipping Act of 1984.