The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer.
The FMC ensures competitive and efficient ocean transportation services for the shipping public by:
Reviewing and monitoring agreements among ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators (MTOs) serving the U.S. foreign oceanborne trades to ensure that they do not cause substantial increases in transportation costs or decreases in transportation services
Maintaining and reviewing confidentially filed service contracts and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) Service Arrangements to guard against detrimental effects to shipping
Providing a forum for exporters, importers, and other members of the shipping public to obtain relief from ocean shipping practices or disputes that impede the flow of commerce
Ensuring common carriers’ tariff rates and charges are published in private, automated tariff systems and electronically available
Monitoring rates, charges, and rules of government-owned or –controlled carriers to ensure they are just and reasonable
Taking action to address unfavorable conditions caused by foreign government or business practices in U.S. foreign shipping trades
FMC Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2014-2018
http://www.fmc.gov/assets/1/Page/StrategicPlan2014-2018.pdf
Congressional Budget Reports
Submitted 2014
Federal Maritime Commission CONG15 Budget Submission
