The US Federal Maritime Commission announced that it has completed compromise agreements recovering a total of $338,000 in civil penalties. The agreements were reached with one vessel-operating common carrier and six ocean transportation intermediaries (both non-vessel-operating common carriers and ocean freight forwarders).
The agreed-to penalties resulted from investigations conducted by the Commission’s Area Representatives in Houston, Seattle, South Florida, and New York, and by Washington D.C. headquarters staff. The parties settled and agreed to penalties, but did not admit to violations of the Shipping Act or Commission regulations.
In making the announcement, Chairman Cordero stated:
“These agreements and penalties reflect the continuous efforts of the Commission’s Area Representatives and Bureau of Enforcement to level the regulatory playing field for all segments of the maritime industry, guard against unfair trade practices, and ensure that the shipping public is served by qualified ocean transportation intermediaries. It is through the hard work of our staff that the Commission seeks to achieve our mission of fostering a fair, efficient and secure maritime transportation system.”
According to FMC, the companies settled and agreed to penalties, but did not admit to violations of the Shipping Act or Commission regulations.
Source: fmc.gov
