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fmc.govCrawled Nov 4, 2026
The Federal Maritime Commission has focused on detention and demurrage issues since 2014, integrating feedback into its 2015 report on related rules and practices.
Non-U.S.-based NVOCCs are not required to obtain an FMC-issued license. If they choose to obtain an FMC-issued license, they should follow the renewal process outlined above. Any foreign-based NVOCCs not licensed by the Commission is required to register with the Commission by completing a registration Form FMC-65 and submitting it to the Bureau of Certification […]
The Federal Maritime Commission licenses ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) in the U.S. and ensures they are bonded or demonstrate financial responsibility.
Marine Terminal Operators (MTOs) provide facilities for ocean common carriers moving cargo in U.S. foreign commerce, as defined in 46 CFR §525.1(c)(13).
Practices of Ocean Carriers and Marine Terminal Operators on Empty Container Return, Early Return Date, and Container Pickup (Notice of Availability) Commissioner Rebecca F. Dye seeks reaction from the shipping public on three proposals to increase the performance of the U.S. international ocean freight delivery system by reforming the practices of international ocean carrier and […]
The Federal Maritime Commission reported progress on implementing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 and summarized its key provisions.
Three policy statements clarify how shippers can file private-party complaints with the Federal Maritime Commission, addressing trade community concerns.
Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella and Commissioner Robert J. Harvey visited Sri Lanka and the Maldives to discuss U.S. economic interests in regional maritime growth.
The Federal Maritime Commission held public forums in 2014 to discuss challenges facing U.S. ports with local stakeholders.
The Federal Maritime Commission reviewed progress on implementing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 and the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative at its September 2022 meeting.
The Federal Maritime Commission urged ocean carriers to adopt best practices for detention and demurrage fee clarity and dispute resolution.
About The Commission accepts payment for services exclusively through electronic funds transfer (EFT), including Pay.gov and wire transfer. Paper checks are not accepted. This policy ensures secure, efficient, and standardized processing of all payments. Some Commission services, such as Freedom of Information Act requests must be paid after the request has been processed and the requester […]
The Federal Maritime Commission regulates the U.S. international ocean transportation system to benefit exporters, importers, and consumers.
The Federal Maritime Commission uses artificial intelligence in its operations, governed by risk management and oversight processes.
Public involvement in Federal Maritime Commission meetings strengthens transparency and supports its mission of maintaining fair ocean transportation practices.
About On June 16, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA), enacted as Public Law 117-146 [PDF, 219 KB]. This webpage catalogs Commission actions taken to comply with requirements established by the enacted legislation. It will be updated regularly. OSRA Rulemaking Activity Final Rule Industry Advisories Charge […]
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) requires U.S.-based companies or sole proprietors operating as Ocean Freight Forwarders (OFF) or Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) to obtain a license. Non-U.S.-based NVOCCs may choose to register or obtain a license.
The Federal Maritime Commission offers resources to assist with resolving ocean transportation complaints and disputes.
The Federal Maritime Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services helps resolve ocean shipping problems informally.
A small claim may be filed to seek reparations (damages) from another individual or company (the Respondent) for economic injury not exceeding $50,000 caused by violations of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 411). The Commission provides a standard format for filing a small claims complaint. All small claims complaint filings should follow this standard format. […]
The Federal Maritime Commission regulates the U.S. international ocean transportation system to support exporters, importers, and consumers.
The E-Government Act of 2002 requires agencies to assess systems handling personally identifiable information (PII) through privacy impact assessments (PIAs).
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) protects user privacy and explains how information is collected, used, and shared on its website.
The Federal Maritime Commission ensures its website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for accessibility.
