The US Federal Maritime Commission’s Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (VOCC) Audit Program is expanding its scope to also evaluate how shipping lines are serving U.S. export shippers.
Ocean carriers are now being asked to share information about the export services they offer American shippers. Responses will provide better insight into market trends and performance, and where opportunities exist for individual lines to improve or increase access to service offerings.
The FMC’s expanded ocean carrier Audit Program will provide better visibility into which ocean carriers work well with U.S. exporters, and more importantly, which ocean carriers can and should do more to support exporters
said Chairman Maffei.
The initial mandate of the VOCC Audit Program was to assess ocean carrier compliance with the FMC’s rule on demurrage and detention and to identify and gather additional information beneficial to the continuous monitoring the Commission conducts of the marketplace for ocean cargo services.
The announcement is part of an ongoing effort by Chairman Maffei to use the Commission’s authorities whenever possible to assist exporters. The Chairman has already assigned an advocate to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) to assist export shippers.
Further, he has directed the Bureau of Enforcement (BoE) and CADRS to prioritize any cases involving exporters. Also this week, BoE is initiating an examination of the conduct of five independent container ship lines in terms of the service those companies offer American exporters.
The shipping companies being questioned by BoE do not traditionally operate in U.S. trade lanes but entered the marketplace in response to historically high rates shippers are paying to import cargo to the United States.
All ocean carriers calling the United States have an equal obligation to conduct themselves in accordance with the law. New entrants to the market—including the so-called pop-up carriers—have all the same responsibilities as companies that have served the U.S. trades for decades
added Chairman Maffei.
The companies in question will provide information related to vessel calls they have made to the United States since June 2021, including the number of loaded and empty containers carried on a ship’s return journey to Asia.
BoE will assess responses to determine if further actions are warranted.
