This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

P is a common carrier authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission to transport commodities. D allegedly failed to pay $661.41 in motor freight charges. P filed suit in the United States District Court. P's complaint alleged that Jordan (D) failed to pay for transport services as required by P's tariffs on file with the Commission. The complaint also alleged that the action arose under the Interstate Commerce Act, 49 U. S. C. § 10741(a) (1976 ed., Supp. V), and that the District Court had jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U. S. C. § 1337. The District Court dismissed the matter for want of subject-matter jurisdiction and the Court of Appeals affirmed. The suit was deemed to be a 'simple contract-collection action,' wherein the court could not 'discern any proposition of federal law that a court need confront in deciding what, if anything, can be recovered.' P appealed.

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