FMC puts carriers under the spotlight over congestion surcharges
US maritime regulator, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), to probe carriers over excess fees.
The FMC has queried eight ocean carriers over congestion-related surcharges they have either announced or implemented.
The commission says the request for information is part of an expedited inquiry into the timing and legal basis of carriers’ surcharges and is being taken in response to information provided by “multiple parties” that say the charges are being implemented improperly.
The eight carriers contacted are: CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, HMM, Matson, MSC, OOCL, SM Line and Zim. The FMC’s Bureau of Enforcement has given them until 13th August to provide details that “confirm any surcharges were instituted properly and in accordance with legal and regulatory obligations”.
The FMC says it seeks to determine if surcharges were “implemented following proper notice; if the purpose of the surcharge was clearly defined; if it is clear what event or condition triggers the surcharge; and is it clear what event or condition has been identified that would terminate the surcharge”.
