FMC to Consider Petition for Rulemaking to Ban Port Fees During Uncontrollable Events

The Federal Maritime Commission will carefully consider a petition filed by the Coalition for Fair Port Practices for the agency to issue a rulemaking preventing common carriers and marine terminal operators from charging demurrage, detention and per diem fees during events beyond the control of shippers, FMC Chairman Mario Cordero said in a statement emailed to International Trade Today. The 25-member coalition submitted the petition on Dec. 7 (see 1612080021). Cordero said given the “seriousness” of the issues raised in the petition, FMC will determine “the most appropriate next step.” Cordero added: “Given the Commission’s commitment to maintaining the most efficient ocean-linked supply chain system possible, we are always interested in allegations of any practices or behavior that contribute to diminishing efficiency or increasing costs.”