FMC Monitors Strait of Hormuz Surcharges Amid Middle East Conflict
The Federal Maritime Commission is actively monitoring shipping conditions through the Strait of Hormuz and is ensuring that surcharges imposed by ocean common carriers in response to the ongoing Middle East conflict comply with the Shipping Act. Here are key takeaways: Active oversight: The Federal Maritime Commission is closely watching how the Middle...
Read MoreLaura DiBella Designated as Chairman of FMC
President Donald J. Trump has designated Commissioner Laura DiBella as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, effective January 28, 2026, just weeks after she was sworn in as a Commissioner. Here are key takeaways: New role: Laura DiBella has been designated by President Trump to serve as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, making her the...
Read MoreMSC Assessed Civil Penalties Totaling $22.67 Million
The Federal Maritime Commission has concluded an enforcement proceeding against MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, assessing $22.67 million in civil penalties for multiple Shipping Act violations spanning several years. Here are key takeaways: Total penalty: The Federal Maritime Commission assessed $22.67 million in civil penalties against MSC...
Read MoreFMC Temporarily Adds Two Administrative Law Judges to Handle Case Surge
The Federal Maritime Commission has temporarily brought on two administrative law judges from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help manage a record surge in cases tied to pandemic-era supply chain disputes. Here are key takeaways: New judges: Judge Jamie Mendelson and Judge Debra Tesh began at the Federal Maritime Commission on...
Read MoreFMC Probes Ocean Common Carriers Over Chassis Usage Practice and Restrictions
The Federal Maritime Commission has opened a formal investigation into whether ocean common carriers are unlawfully limiting truckers' and shippers' ability to choose their own chassis providers, potentially violating the Shipping Act. Here are key takeaways: What's being investigated: Whether ocean common carriers are using rules, service contracts, or...
Read MoreLaura DiBella Sworn In as FMC Commissioner
Laura DiBella of Florida has officially joined the Federal Maritime Commission as its newest commissioner, sworn in on January 6, 2026, with a term running through June 30, 2028. Here are key takeaways: Nominated and confirmed: President Trump nominated DiBella on September 3, 2025; she was confirmed by the Senate on December 18, 2025, and appointed...
Read MoreFMC Testify before U.S. Senate Committee About Panama Canal
Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis E. Sola and Commissioner Daniel B. Maffei testified at a hearing today by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that explored the operation, control, and cost to use the Panama Canal. Here are key takeaways: Statement from Chairman Louis E. Sola: Vital to U.S. Trade: The Panama Canal...
Read MoreFMC’s Maximum Penalty Fees Adjusted
Effective January 15, 2025, the Federal Maritime Commission will increase the maximum penalties for statutory violations in compliance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. These increases are based on the rate of inflation. Here are key takeaways: Increased Penalties for Shipping Act Violations: Knowing and willful...
Read MoreAvailability of Class Action Complaints at the FMC
The Federal Maritime Commission issued a policy statement today making clear it is an appropriate venue where private parties may bring class actions to resolve disputes covered by the statutes the agency administers. Here are key takeaways: 1. Encouraging Legal Action: New rules help parties feel safer about taking legal action without fear of...
Read More