Horizon Lines suspends 6 amid federal probe

Horizon Lines Inc. said Wednesday it has suspended six employees amid an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into ocean shipping prices.

The employees, who were involved in the Puerto Rico trade lane, were placed on administrative leave following a review by the company into issues raised by federal investigators, the company said in a brief statement. Two of the employees have since submitted their resignations.

Horizon said it continues to fully cooperate with the Justice Department probe.

In April, federal agents raided Horizon's Charlotte headquarters as part of an investigation of pricing practices of ocean carriers operating in Puerto Rico. An antitrust lawsuit filed in Puerto Rico's U.S. District Court earlier this month alleged that Horizon and three other shipping companies conspired to inflate prices for transporting goods to the island and added illegal surcharges.

Horizon shares sank 10 cents to $11.80 in after-hours trading, after surging 86 cents to close at $11.90 in the regular session.