Roberts v. Exxon Corp.

427 F.Supp. 389 (1977)

Marshall ROBERTS et al.
v.
EXXON CORPORATION.

Civ. A. No. 18872.

United States District Court, W. D. Louisiana, Lafayette Division.

March 16, 1977.

William E. Logan, Jr., Lafayette, La., and Walter G. Murphy and Harold Brown, Boston, Mass., David Berger, Warren D. Mulloy, Bruce K. Cohen and Warren Rubin, Philadelphia, Pa., for plaintiffs.

Bernard J. Caillouet, New Orleans, La., Keith E. Pugh, Jr., Howrey, Simon, Baker & Murchikon, Washington, D. C., Robert T. Jorden, Liskow & Lewis, Lafayette, La., for defendant.

PUTNAM, Senior District Judge.

The plaintiffs in this case, Marshall Roberts and Guy Benitez, allege violations of the antitrust laws by defendant, Exxon Corporation. Benitez operated two automatic service stations for Exxon from June 2, 1969 to September 6, 1971 under the terms of a "Commission Manager" contract under which he is considered by defendant as an employee of the company. Roberts, on the other hand, has operated as an independent dealer for Exxon in this area and continues to so act. The gravamen of the complaint is the fact that Exxon fixes the retail prices for the sale of its gasoline products at the stations operated by the "Commission Manager", Benitez. The threshold question is whether or not this plaintiff is in fact an employee of Exxon or, for purposes of the antitrust laws, an independent business man.

The parties have stipulated the facts on this issue and both have moved for summary judgment based upon this stipulation. The record is most voluminous. The authorities cited by able counsel are legion. After reviewing the facts agreed to, the affidavits filed in support of the motions and the briefs, we reach the conclusion that the motion of plaintiffs should be granted and hold that for all intents and purposes this "Commission Manager" agreement confected by defendant is nothing more than a consignment of goods to Benitez enabling Exxon to fix retail prices at the pump.

A detailed review of the uncontested issues established by the record is not necessary for purposes of this decision. Suffice it to say that Benitez was clothed under the "Commission Manager" agreement with many of the attributes of an independent business man and also with many attributes of an employee. He operated his own independent garage and repair business on the premises occupied by him with defendant's permission, he sold tires, batteries, and accessories (TBA) furnished to him by defendant on consignment and for which he was paid a commission based upon a fixed percentage. All gasoline and petroleum products used in the service station business was sent to him by Exxon ostensibly as Exxon's own goods, but which he kept and stored at his own risk except for losses resulting from acts of God or other forces beyond his control. On gasoline he was paid a commission varying from three and half to four and a half cents per gallon, depending upon the price and quality of the gasoline sold. Exxon fixed all prices. The agreement was terminable at will by either party. If the prices were not competitive and plaintiff Benitez lost money, it was his loss; there was no minimum income guaranteed to him. Regardless of the appellation given to his relationship with the defendant, the status of the goods in commerce was no different than the status of the goods in the lease consignment agreement before the Court in Simpson v. Union Oil Co., 1964, 377 U.S. 13, 84 S.Ct. 1051, 12 L.Ed.2d 98. We view it as a retail price fixing arrangement and a per se violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C.A. § 1.

Since the decision in Simpson, it is clear that the relationship of the commission manager vis-a-vis the defendant distributor or manufacturer under general principles of master and servant is not the main issue in such litigation. Cf. Lehrman v. Gulf Oil Corp., 5 Cir. 1972, 464 F.2d 26; Greene v. General Foods Corp., 5 Cir. 1975, 517 F.2d 635, Part III, at page 647 et seq., and Goldinger v. Boron Oil Co., W.D.Pa.1974, 375 F.Supp. 400.

In Greene, supra, Judge Wisdom as the organ of the court gives an excellent discussion of the development of the law before and after Simpson v. Union Oil Co., supra. Given a device such as the commission manager agreement in this case as it is interpreted by defendant in addition to its already overwhelmingly powerful economic arsenal, would enable Exxon to underprice and drive from the market place all independent distributors or dealers in its petroleum products, thereby depriving the public of the benefit of competitive prices in a substantial area of the business.

For the foregoing reasons, the motion for summary judgment on the issue of whether or not plaintiff Guy Benitez was an employee of the defendant Exxon is decided in favor of plaintiffs. The motion for summary judgment filed by Exxon is denied.

In view of the stipulation filed in the record on May 6, 1975, paragraph 5, to the effect that in the event plaintiffs prevail in their motion there may be further proceedings before this court to determine causation, impact, damages, and the defendant's counterclaim, which will involve a lengthy trial of these issues, the question of law presented by this motion is controlling. Since there is clearly substantial ground for difference of opinion, and an immediate appeal may materially advance the ultimate termination of the litigation, we will certify it for an immediate appeal under 28 U.S. C.A. § 1292(b).

The attorneys for plaintiffs will forthwith prepare a formal order in keeping with the forging, for signature by the Court. Judgment shall not be entered by the Clerk until such order has been signed and filed.

Rendered at Lafayette, Louisiana, April 29, 1976.^[1]

ADDENDUM I
XXX-XXXX-X S-1440-1                                       /S #2163
LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA
SERVICE STATION MANAGER AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made this 9th day of MARCH, 1970, between HUMBLE OIL
& REFINING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation, having an office at   1211 Union Avenue
(Address)
__________________________,     Memphis    ,     Tennessee    ,
(City)           (State)
hereinafter called "Humble", and         GUY E. BENITEZ        ,
whose address is   2307 W. ST. MARY BLVD.  ,   LAFAYETTE  ,   LOUISIANA  ,
(Address)              (City)         (State)
hereinafter called "Manager".

WITNESSETH:
1. EMPLOYMENT
Humble hereby employs Manager, commencing on the 9th day of March, 1970,
subject to all the terms and conditions hereof, to superintend, manage and operate its service station
located at   U. S. 167 & Chalmette Drive  ,   Lafayette  ,   Louisiana  .
(Address)               (City)        (State)
2. HUMBLE'S PRODUCTS
Humble shall make, or cause to be made, deliveries of motor fuels and such other products as
Humble shall select to the service station from time to time, in such quantities as Humble shall
determine. Title to such products shall remain in Humble until sold for Humble's account when title
shall pass directly from Humble to the service station customer. All sales of Humble-owned products
shall be at retail prices fixed by Humble from time to time.
The entire proceeds of all sales of Humble-owned products, both cash and service station delivery
tickets pursuant to approved credit card sales, are the property of Humble. Manager shall segregate such
proceeds and hold the same in trust for Humble until delivery to Humble as hereinafter provided.
Manager shall account to Humble for sales of its products by remitting to Humble daily, or at
such other time as Humble may specify, all delivery tickets on credit sales plus Manager's own check,
bank cashier's draft or money order, as Humble may require, for all cash sales made since Manager's
last previous accounting, or shall otherwise account and make remittances as required by Humble.
3. OTHER PRODUCTS
Manager may with Humble's consent purchase from Humble and others and resell other products
and accessories usually sold at service stations.
4. SERVICES
Manager shall perform service work usually rendered at service stations, and shall comply with
the instructions of Humble with respect to the performance of such service work and the prices to be
charged therefor. Manager shall account to Humble for proceeds received for service work as required
by Humble.
5. COMMISSIONS
Manager shall receive commissions on sales of Humble-owned products and on service work in
accordance with Schedule "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Humble shall have the
right to revise said Schedule "A" from time to time.
6. DUTIES OF MANAGER
Manager agrees to conduct a first-class service station business upon the premises; to render to
the public courteous, efficient and prompt service; to keep the service station premises in a clean,
healthful and attractive condition; and to comply with all instructions of Humble as to standards of
service and hours of operation. Manager and personnel operating the service station shall wear
uniforms acceptable to Humble.
Manager shall keep such records and make such reports and accountings as Humble may require
for all business done at the service station, and Humble may at any time examine such records,
reports and accountings and make such inventories and inspections as it deems necessary. Manager
agrees to retain or to turn over to Humble as Humble may require such records of business done at
the station as in Humble's opinion may be necessary or required for federal, state or local tax audits.
Manager shall take proper care of all real and personal property of Humble that is placed in his
charge, and will make all minor repairs and adjustments and will promptly notify Humble of all necessary
major repairs. A complete list of all equipment owned by Humble and located upon the premises is
attached hereto as Schedule "B", and Manager hereby acknowledges receipt of such equipment in
good condition.

Manager assumes responsibility for Humble-owned products delivered to the station and for
proceeds received from the sale thereof, and for proceeds from service work, and for equipment
shown on Schedule "B", but Manager shall not be liable for loss of or damage to the same or to the
service station building where Manager can show that such loss or damage was caused by fire,
explosion, storm or other acts of God, or by causes beyond Manager's reasonable control.
Manager shall hire adequate personnel satisfactory to Humble to properly operate the service
station, and shall be responsible for supervising such personnel in the performance of their duties in
accordance with all instructions of Humble as to standards of service and employment. The wages
paid such personnel by Manager and their hours of work shall comply with the requirements of State
or Federal Law where applicable.
Manager has no authority and agrees not to obligate Humble on any contract, warranty or
guarantee, or to bind Humble's credit in any respect whatsoever, unless expressly authorized by
Humble in writing.
7. MISCELLANEOUS COSTS OF OPERATION
Miscellaneous costs of operation including, but not limited to, supplies, licenses, claims, insurance,
heating, cooling, electricity, water, telephone and other utilities, shall be borne as provided in
Schedule "C" attached hereto.
8. TAXES
Manager shall collect, account for and deliver to Humble all excise and sales taxes applicable to
sales of Humble-owned products, products and accessories purchased from Humble and others for
resale and service work performed hereunder. Humble will file the necessary excise and sales tax
returns and remit amounts due thereon to the proper taxing authorities. Manager agrees to bear any
additional tax, interest and penalties which result from Manager's failure to collect, account for and
deliver to Humble such excise and sales taxes, or which result from Manager's failure to keep proper
records with respect to such taxes.
Manager shall withhold and pay over to Humble all amounts that are required by any law to be
withheld with respect to the salaries, commissions or wages of Manager and other station personnel
(including, but not limited to, federal, state and local income taxes, social security taxes, and state
unemployment taxes or disability fund payments, if any). Humble will file the necessary returns and
remit amounts collected from Manager to the proper taxing authorities and will also pay to such
authorities the additional taxes, contributions and moneys due by Humble with respect to Manager and
other station personnel in Humble's capacity as an employer.
Humble agrees to file necessary returns and make payment to the proper authorities for all taxes
levied or assessed against all of Humble's real and personal property situated in and upon the premises
and all other business taxes which may be levied or assessed against the premises or the business or
operations conducted thereon, except that Manager shall be responsible for and agrees to file
necessary returns and make payment to the proper authorities for federal, state and local income
taxes due and payable from Manager and for taxes levied or assessed against all of Manager's
property situated in or upon the premises.
9. TERMINATION
Humble or Manager may terminate this Agreement at any time by written notice to the other
delivered in person or mailed to the address set forth above.
Upon termination of this Agreement, Manager shall vacate the service station premises and
surrender custody of all of Humble's property and equipment, including products not theretofore sold,
and deliver to Humble the proceeds of all its products which have been sold since the last previous
accounting and any other sums due Humble. Humble shall repurchase from Manager, at Manager's
cost of acquisition, such products or accessories as Manager has in stock which Manager purchased
from Humble and which are in good condition.
Any property owned by Manager, which is not removed from the premises by Manager within 24
hours after the termination of this Agreement, may be stored by Humble for Manager at Manager's
sole risk and expense or may be rented by Humble for $1.00 per month until it is removed or
otherwise disposed of by Manager.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused these presents to be duly executed the
day and year first above written.
HUMBLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY
(s)  John L Ovento                         By(s)  D H Luncford
Witness
(s)  E C King                              (s)  Guy E. Benitez
Witness                                   Manager
Alternate
(Rev. 3/18/69) S/S2
SCHEDULE "A"
TO
SERVICE STATION MANAGER AGREEMENT
In full payment for all sales made and all services performed by Manager and Service Station
Attendants hereunder, HUMBLE shall pay Manager Commissions as set forth below in this
Schedule "A" subject to HUMBLE's right to revise or change such schedule from time to time.
Unless otherwise expressly authorized by HUMBLE, the Manager shall remit all sales, less
commissions, each day following the sale.
Manager's commissions on sales of HUMBLE-owned products shall be as follows:
A. MOTOR GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL:
1. HUMBLE'S Branded Motor Fuel:
ESSO
Retail Price (¢/Gal.)     Commission (¢/Gal.)   Retail Price (¢/Gal.)    Commission (¢/Gal.)
34.0 - 34.9 (and Above)            3.9            30.0 - 30.9                    3.0
33.0 - 33.9                        3.6            29.0 - 29.9                    3.0
32.0 - 32.9                        3.3            28.0 - 28.9                    3.0
31.0 - 31.9                        3.0            27.0 - 27.9 (& Below)          3.0
ESSO PLUS
36.0 - 36.9 (and Above)            4.1            32.0 - 32.9                    3.2
35.0 - 35.9                        3.8            31.0 - 31.9                    3.2
34.0 - 34.9                        3.5            30.0 - 30.9                    3.2
33.0 - 33.9                        3.2            29.0 - 29.9(& BELOW)           3.2
ESSO EXTRA
38.0 - 38.9 (and Above)            4.4            34.0 - 34.9                    3.5
37.0 - 37.9                        4.1            33.0 - 33.9                    3.5
36.0 - 36.9                        3.8            32.0 - 32.9                    3.5
35.0 - 35.9                        3.5            31.0 - 31.9 (& Below)          3.5
(NOTE: Retail prices include Federal and State Gasoline Taxes and State Sales Taxes where
applicable.)
2. Diesel Fuel ________________ ¢/Gal.)
B. LUBRICATING OILS AND OTHER NON-VOLATILE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (EXCLUDING
ANTI-FREEZE): Forty per cent (40%) of HUMBLE's established retail
service station sales price, excluding tax, applicable at the time and for the place
of sale.

C. ANTI-FREEZE: Forty-five per cent (45%) of HUMBLE's established sales price applicable
to the time and for the place of sale.
D. TIRES, TUBES AND BATTERIES: A percentage of the Suggested Retail Price for Adjustment
Purpose Only (Including Federal Excise Tax) as quoted in the current TBA
Buying and Selling Guide (Dealer).
Atlas Tires                                          Commission
"HP," Plycron and Weathergard                           31% per unit
Grip Safe                                               27% per unit
Mile Pak                                                18% per unit
Atlas Tubes                                          50% per unit
Atlas Batteries
HD & PHD                                          31% per unit
A                                                25% per unit
K                                                18% per unit
Manager shall retain all proceeds received by Manager for service work.
Effective   3/9/70  , this schedule supersedes any previous Commission Schedules signed by
me and is hereby accepted as part of Service Station Manager Agreement signed by me and dated
3/9/70  .
Guy E. Benitez                  2163                 Lafayette, Louisiana
Manager                     S/S No.                   City and State
3/9/70
Date
SCHEDULE "B" TO
SERVICE STATION MANAGER AGREEMENT
DATED    3/9/70
Equipment Owned by Humble
6—Model Trimline G&B Dispensers
3—Submerged Turbine Pumps
3—6000 Gal. U. G. Tanks
1— 550 Gal. U. G. Tank
1—G&B Frame Contact Grease Lift
1—3 HP G&B Air Compressor
1—Major Sign & Pole (Plastic Oval)
1—Coats Iron Tireman
2—Sel Oil Cabinets
1—2-Reel Overhead Greasing Unit
1— 400 Lb. Gear Oil Pump
1— 400 Lb. Chassis Grease Pump
Receipt of the above equipment in good condition is
hereby acknowledged.
(s) E. C. King                                          Guy E. Benitez
Witness                                               Manager

SCHEDULE "C" OF
SERVICE STATION MANAGER AGREEMENT
Miscellaneous Costs of Operation
Dated:   3/9/70
1. HUMBLE assumes responsibility for and will bear the cost of the following:
A. Licenses
HUMBLE agrees to make application and payment to the proper authorities for all business
licenses and permits which may be required with respect to the business or operations conducted upon
the premises, except as provided in Section II-A hereof.
B. Utilities
HUMBLE will pay the cost of public utilities furnished by HUMBLE to the premises,
including electricity, water, and heating and cooling fuel.
C. Workmen's Compensation
HUMBLE will cover the Workmen's Compensation liability arising out of the operation of the
service station at no cost to the Manager, and will furnish to the Manager the required notice which
Manager shall keep posted at the premises at all times.
D. Public Liability—Operation of the Service Station and Non-owned Vehicles
HUMBLE will provide, at no cost to the Manager, except as set forth below in this Section
1-D and in Section II-D hereof, public liability insurance protecting the Manager and other station
personnel against claims of customers and the public arising out of the operation of the station. A
certificate of insurance will be issued to the Manager for the following limits:
Bodily Injury                 $200,000   one person
$200,000   two or more persons each accident
Property Damage               $200,000   each accident
This insurance covers:
(1) accidents occurring on or about the service station premises;
(2) accidents occurring away from the service station which are allegedly due to faulty service
work, or to faulty or contaminated products;
(3) accidents occurring away from the service station which are due to the operation of non-owned
vehicles by the Manager or other station personnel in the business of the
service station. "Non-owned vehicles" include customers' cars but exclude vehicles owned
or hired by the Manager or by any member of his household.
NOTE: This insurance does not cover claims arising from the use of motor vehicles owned or hired by
the Manager or by any member of his household. Such vehicles shall be insured by the
Manager pursuant to Section II-E hereof.
II. Manager assumes responsibility for and will bear the cost of the following:
A. Licenses
Manager agrees to make application and payment to the proper authorities for all business
licenses and permits which may be required with respect to his resale of products and accessories
purchased by him from HUMBLE and others, in addition to those business licenses and permits to be
obtained by HUMBLE pursuant to Section I-A hereof.

B. Supplies
Manager shall provide all supplies satisfactory to HUMBLE to properly operate the service
station, including cleaning and rest room supplies and items for service work.
C. Telephone
Manager shall pay all telephone charges for any telephone(s) installed upon the premises,
and all charges for telephone directory advertising taken at his request. Each telephone installed
upon the premises shall be listed in the telephone directory in accordance with HUMBLE'S
instructions. Telephone numbers assigned to the station may not be transferred by the Manager to
any other premises, nor may any listing be cancelled by the Manager notwithstanding any termination
of this Agreement; provided, that the Manager's responsibility hereunder for telephone charges cease
upon his payment of all telephone charges and directory advertising charges for which he is
responsible under the terms of this Agreement.
D. First $50.00 of Payments for Loss of or Damage to Customers' Cars and Other Property
of Customers
With respect to claims for loss of or damage to customers' cars or other property while in
the cars, custody or control of the Manager or station personnel (either on or away from the station
premises), or allegedly due to faulty service work, or to faulty or contaminated products, the
following provisions shall apply: Upon Manager's receipt of notice that HUMBLE or its insurance
carrier under Section I-D hereof has paid any such claim, Manager shall promptly reimburse
HUMBLE, for its own account or that of its insurance carrier, as the case may be, up to but not
exceeding the first $50.00 of each such payment.
E. Automobile Liability — Manager's Vehicles
Manager shall provide automobile liability insurance to cover all vehicles owned or hired by
him or by any member of his household, which are used in the operation of the service station. Such
insurance shall include HUMBLE as a Named Insured and shall be written for limits of not less than:
Bodily Injury                  $ 50,000   one person
$100,000   two or more persons
each accident
Property Damage                $  5,000   each accident
Manager shall furnish HUMBLE, at its address stated in the Agreement, with a certificate
as evidence that the insurance is in effect and that HUMBLE has been included as a Named Insured.
Manager shall not authorize or permit the use in the station's business of vehicles owned
by other station personnel or members of their respective households, unless and until such vehicles
are insured in accordance with the above stated requirements.
NOTE: The Manager is not required to provide automobile non-ownership liability coverage
on customers' cars or other vehicles not owned or hired by the Manager or any member
of his household, as such coverage is provided by HUMBLE pursuant to Section I-D
hereof.
F. Other Responsibilities
Manager shall determine his need for commercial insurance protection for damage to or loss
of any personal property, including tools, equipment or merchandise owned by Manager.
G. Other Business Activities of Manager
The Agreement to which this Schedule "C" is attached does not contemplate that the
Manager shall engage in any business at HUMBLE'S service station premises other than a retail
service station business. For purposes of clarification, and not by way of limitation, it is agreed that
the operation of an automobile or truck parking lot or garage is not to be considered a part of the
service station business. In the event that, with HUMBLE'S prior written consent, the Manager does
engage in such other business, a separate agreement shall be executed by the parties, under which the
Manager shall assume full responsibility for all claims for injury to or death of persons, and for

damage to or loss of property, which may arise out of the operation of such other business, and the
Manager alone shall determine his need for commercial insurance protection with respect thereto.
H. Reports of Accidents, Claims and Unusual Occurrences
Manager shall report promptly to HUMBLE, in accordance with HUMBLE'S instructions,
every accident, or other occurrence, and each claim, demand or legal process arising out of the
operation of the service station that is covered by Workmen's Compensation and by Public Liability
insurance as provided in Section I-C and D hereof.
Manager shall also make (or cause to be made) a prompt report, in writing, to his insurance
carrier (or to the insurance carrier of other station personnel) pursuant to Section II-E hereof, with
respect to every accident, or other occurrence, and each claim, demand or legal process arising out of
the operation of vehicles owned or hired by him or other station personnel, or by any member(s) of
their respective households, which are used in the operation of the service station, such report to be
made whether or not the accident out of which the claim arose occurred in the course of the station's
business. Manager shall promptly furnish HUMBLE with a copy of said report, as HUMBLE is to
be included as a Named Insured thereunder.
(s) E. C. King                                    (s) Guy E. Benitez
Witness                                           Manager

NOTES

[1] See Addendum I for the full text of the "Service Station Manager Agreement" executed by Benitez with Humble (now Exxon), on March 9, 1970, for the operation of the station located at Highway 167 and Chalmette Drive in the city of Lafayette, which is identical to the contract for the other location operated by this plaintiff.