The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is reporting a strong rise in charge complaints as shippers respond positively to the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. This comes as the FMC continues to take steps to define the processes and fulfill the mandate from the US Congress requiring key milestones in the enactment and enforcement of the changes governing ocean shipping. Today, the FMC announced its interim procedures to review, investigate, and adjudicate Charge Complaints. Since the law’s enactment in June, the FMC reports it has received more than 175 filings in less than six months. Ultimately the FMC will decide if the charge is in compliance, if a refund or waiver is due and if a separate civil penalty proceeding is appropriate.
