Ocean Shipping Reform Act Complaints

On June 16, 2022, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) of 2022 was enacted. This law will empower the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to take a more proactive role in investigating carrier behavior and ensuring fairness.

The law gives shippers the right to register complaints against common carriers. These complaints will allow for disputing charges, including demurrage and detention fees.

Parties interested in filing such “Charge Complaints” at the Commission may do so by following the below steps:

• Identifying the common carrier
• Identifying the specific alleged violations of 46 U.S.C. §§ 41102 and/or 41104(a)
• Gathering and submitting supporting documentation, as appropriate, including:
  • Invoices
  • Bill of Lading Numbers
  • Evidence of whether the charge(s) have been paid
• Confirming that the disputed charge was incurred on or after June 16, 2022
• Submitting all relevant materials in one email (if possible) to chargecomplaints@fmc.gov

 

When the Commission receives sufficient information, it will promptly initiate an investigation, which could ultimately result in a civil penalty and order for a refund of charges paid.

If you have any questions about OSRA, any detention or demurrage charges, or anything trade related please contact Allyn at sales@allynintl.com

Contributor: Matthew Dreckman

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About Allyn International

Allyn International is dedicated to providing high quality, customer centric services and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn's core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China, Prague, Czech Republic, and Dubai, U.A.E. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com.