During a recent open session, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) tried to address concerns regarding the port and supply congestion in the US.
The meeting took place a week after the Commission launched a new audit program, as well as an audit team to monitor compliance with FMC’s rules on detention and demurrage by the largest carriers.
During the meeting, Commissioner Dye presented suggestions on minimizing barriers to actions by shippers and truckers to filing complaints with the FMC as well as increasing the amount of potential reparations awards.
Furthermore, the potential widening of “anti-retaliation” provisions meand that shippers could file complaints, but they would need to carefully monitor the conduct of the carriers.
The recommendations also included suggestions on providing information to the cargo community regarsding the complaint process.
Commissioner Dye also plans to hold meetings of Supply Chain Innovation Teams in Memphis and the Port of Los Angeles, in order to deal with supply chain disruptions and increase supply chain visibility.
Lately, Los Angeles has been heavily affected by delays, with cause complaints, as vessels inbound from Asia have overwhelmed the landside terminal infrastructure.
Commenting on the situation, Commissioner Dye informed that he has been approached by the Port of Los Angeles to explore how the data they collect in their port information system can help in enforcing demurrage and detention and in addressing other supply chain dislocations, including earliest return date and container return.
