In the case of Seaboard Air Line Railway Company et al. v. United States in 1922, the Supreme Court ruled on a dispute involving railway companies and their rates for transporting goods across state lines. The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) had ordered reduced freight rates on certain items transported by several southern railroads, including Seaboard Air Line Railway Company. These railroads challenged this order, arguing that it was unjust and unreasonable as they were already operating under financial strain due to post-war economic conditions. The Supreme Court upheld the ICC's decision stating that while courts can intervene if an order is shown to be clearly outside of statutory authority or constitutional bounds, they should not substitute their judgment for that of administrative bodies like the ICC regarding rate-setting matters within its jurisdiction unless there is clear evidence of abuse or arbitrariness. The court found no such evidence in this case and deferred to the expertise and discretion of the ICC in determining what constituted just and reasonable rates.

The dissenting opinion in the case of Seaboard Air Line Railway Company et al. v. United States disagreed with the majority's decision to uphold an order by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) that required certain railroads to stop charging higher rates for shorter distances than for longer ones on similar types of freight. The dissent argued that this ruling overstepped the bounds of judicial authority and infringed upon legislative powers, as it essentially forced a regulatory change without proper legal basis or due process. It was also noted that such a mandate could potentially harm smaller businesses who rely on these short-haul routes, as they may not be able to afford increased costs passed down from railroad companies now unable to charge more profitable long-distance rates. Furthermore, there were concerns about whether this decision truly served public interest or merely favored larger corporations capable of absorbing additional expenses associated with long-haul shipping.