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Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating oceanborne transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States. The FMC's primary role is to ensure a competitive and efficient ocean transportation system, protect the public from unfair and deceptive practices, and resolve shipping disputes.

Shippers may face various issues that fall under the FMC's jurisdiction, including for example:

  • disputes over shipping rates and surcharges,

  • unfair or discriminatory practices by ocean carriers,

  • unreasonable refusals to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodations, or

  • challenges related to the implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA)

Shippers and other industry participants have two main procedural avenues to address their concerns with the FMC:

  • Shippers can file a formal complaint with the FMC to seek regulatory enforcement, or

  • Shippers may pursue formal administrative adjudication to seek compensation in disputes over contract terms or unreasonable charges.

 

Curated News:

July 22, 2024: FMC: Final rule: Definition of a carrier’s “Unreasonable Refusal to Deal or Negotiate” for vessel space accommodations.