The Federal Maritime Commission is looking to revoke a Miami freight forwarder’s ocean transportation intermediary license after its owners illegally exported nearly 600 stolen outboard motors from the U.S., including by providing false shipping documents to CBP. The company, Netcycle Trading, told the FMC it should be allowed to keep the license, but the FMC is asking its administrative law judge to rule against the forwarder after its president submitted “misleading” comments to the commission that downplayed her role in the scheme.
The House Appropriations Committee unveiled an FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act bill June 26 that would provide $43 million for the Federal Maritime Commission, about $5.5 million below the Biden administration’s request but up $3 million from the FY 2024 appropriated level.
Export Compliance Daily is providing readers with the top stories from last week in case you missed them. You can find any article by searching for the title or by clicking on the hyperlinked reference number.
The Federal Maritime Commission recently reminded carriers about the requirements they must meet to maintain their status before the commission as a vessel-operating common carrier (VOCC), warning they may face penalties if they fail to meet those requirements. The FMC said carriers publishing automated tariffs as VOCCs must “operate at least one vessel in common carriage in the foreign commerce of the United States to maintain their status.” Companies offering common carriage but that don’t operate at least one vessel are considered non-vessel-operating common carriers, the commission said, and must follow the licensing, registration and financial responsibility requirements for NVOCCs. “Operating as an NVOCC and failing to meet all relevant requirements may result in a civil monetary penalty.”
The Federal Maritime Commission launched an investigation on whether ocean carriers are complying with a recent decision giving motor carriers the right to choose their chassis providers in four U.S. markets. The probe could lead to penalties against carriers, the commission said.
HMM Co. Ltd., formerly known as Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd., has charged unfair demurrage and detention fees for inland transportation since 2020, Samsung Electronics America (SEA) alleged in a complaint filed with the Federal Maritime Commission on May 30.
The Federal Maritime Commission this week updated its record of cases and decisions related to shipping violations “that may be significant or establish legal precedent.” The 132-page document covers cases that took place from June through December 2023, including various settlement approvals, orders not to review, a charge complaint and more.
The Federal Maritime Commission recently sent the shipping and freight forwarding industry guidance about the FMC’s February final rule that set new demurrage and detention billing requirements (see 2402230049). The six-page document, provided to us by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, includes 19 frequently asked questions and answers related to the rule, covering questions including timelines for disputing detention and demurrage invoices issued by ocean carriers and terminal operators, extended dwell fees assessed by U.S. ports and the definition of “billed party.”
The Federal Maritime Commission launched an updated website this week that it said is easier to navigate and will better allow members of the public to “identify and request assistance from the agency.” The site now includes a dedicated gateway to share information with the FMC, submit a complaint and more.
The Federal Maritime Commission is seeking public comments on a new vessel sharing agreement between major ocean carriers Maersk and Hapag Lloyd. The Gemini Cooperation Agreement would allow the carriers to “globally coordinate their vessel operations,” FMC said, including by sharing vessels on trade routes between the U.S., Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Public comments are due June 18. If the FMC takes no action, the agreement will take effect July 15.