Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

What is the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)?

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent U.S. agency responsible for regulating foreign and inter-coastal ocean commerce shipping via U.S. ports. The FMC regulates both VOCCs (Vessel Operating Common Carriers) and NVOCCs (Non-vessel Operating Common Carriers).

The purpose of the FMC is to maintain fair competition in ocean transportation for the sake of the shipping public; for example, Flexport uses NRAs to remain FMC-compliant.

What does the FMC regulate?

The FMC oversees ocean carriers and ocean transportation intermediaries serving the US trade. It licenses ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs, requires NVOCCs to publish tariffs and carry a financial bond, and reviews certain agreements among carriers. It also investigates complaints and can act against unfair or unreasonable practices. Shippers can file a complaint with the FMC if they believe a carrier or intermediary violated the Shipping Act.

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