The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. v. United States et al., 1962 case revolved around the legality of collective ratemaking by motor carriers under the Interstate Commerce Act (ICA). The National Motor Freight Traffic Association and other similar associations had been setting joint rates for their members, which was challenged as being in violation of antitrust laws. However, they argued that this practice was protected by the ICA's exemption clause for activities "under" or "pursuant to" that act. The Supreme Court held that these practices were not immune from antitrust scrutiny because they did not fall within any specific authorization or requirement of the ICA and thus could potentially restrain trade unlawfully. This decision clarified how far statutory exemptions to federal antitrust laws extend and emphasized Congress' intent to maintain competition whenever possible.

In the dissenting opinion for the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., et al. v. United States et al., case, it was argued that the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) had overstepped its authority by imposing a uniform system of accounts on motor carriers without proper justification or explanation as to why such a measure was necessary or appropriate. The dissenting justices believed that this action violated Section 20(5) of the Interstate Commerce Act which requires ICC orders to be supported by findings based on substantial evidence and reasoned decision-making. They also pointed out inconsistencies in how these rules were applied across different types of carriers and questioned whether they truly served public interest as claimed by ICC. Furthermore, they criticized majority's deference towards administrative agencies like ICC arguing that courts should not abdicate their duty to ensure statutory requirements are met just because an agency is involved.