The Hinkins Steamship Agency, Inc. v. Freighters, Inc.

This appeal is from a judgment in an admiralty proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 1333 in favor of Hinkins Steamship Agency, Inc. (Hinkins) for a balance due for services performed as husbanding agent for an oceangoing vessel which the appellant, Freighters, Inc., had under a time charter. The judgment was rendered upon a motion for summary judgment. Appellant’s contention is that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction because the agreement between the parties was not a maritime contract.

The agreement was initiated by a letter of instructions from Bulk Food Carriers, Inc. (Carriers) informing…