The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in Washington DC has dismissed a case brought against the world’s largest containerline, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), in a ruling that will be analysed by many in the transportation sector.
The FMC studied a congestion fee MSC charged SOFi Paper Products in a first case of its kind since the passing last year of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA).
In a four to one ruling among its commissioners, the FMC has ruled that the $1,000 charge was not an unreasonable detention and demurrage charge.
“Although I concur with this ruling, it is imperative to consider the multifaceted concerns regarding auxiliary charges across various industries. The growing frequency of auxiliary charges is an issue we must be prepared to address and set forth frameworks to ensure these fees serve the best interests of the shipping industry,” commented commissioner Louis Sola.
Can you post a link to the text of the ruling? Would be much obliged.
https://www2.fmc.gov/readingroom/docs/CC-001/CC-001%20Order%20Dismissing%20Charge%20Complaint%20and%20Discontinuing%20Order%20to%20Show%20Cause.pdf/