The number of complaints submitted to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) over the shipping industry’s business practices, mostly detention and demurrage (D&D) fees, have more than tripled in the past two years. The data from the FMC shows shippers have filed nearly 400 complaints in the 14 months since the Ocean Shipping Reform Act became law in July 2022. Complaints centered on D&D fees or congestion surcharges the carriers or terminals were imposing during the surge in volumes. The FMC has completed several investigations into claims over charges and have resolved many cases by working with shippers. The Commission has simplified the complaints process and worked to assist parties to settle smaller claims before launching lengthy investigations. This proactive stance reflects a broader global trend toward stricter oversight of the shipping industry, which has historically proven challenging to regulate due to its international nature. The heightened scrutiny follows a period of disruption for global trade.