QVC Sues Shipping Giant Over Unfair Fees and Flops
Published Date: 6/20/2025
Notice
Summary
QVC, Inc. and Cornerstone Brands, Inc. have filed a complaint against Ocean Network Express, accusing them of breaking shipping rules by missing service promises and charging unfair fees. This could affect how shipping contracts are handled and might lead to changes in fees or service standards. The case will be decided by the end of 2026, so keep an eye out for updates that could impact shipping costs and schedules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Alleged Missed Shipping Service Promises
QVC, Inc. and Cornerstone Brands say Ocean Network Express repeatedly failed to meet promised shipping services. The complaint (served June 17, 2025) alleges systematic failure to meet service commitments under the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40101 et seq.); an initial decision is due by June 17, 2026 and the Commission’s final decision by December 31, 2026.
Alleged Coercion for Extra Surcharges
The complainants allege Ocean Network Express used coercion to require payment of extracontractual surcharges and to force amendments to service contracts. The complaint cites violations of 46 U.S.C. 41102(c); 41104(a)(2) and (a)(10); and 46 CFR 545.5 and was served June 17, 2025; answers are due within 25 days of service.
Alleged Unreasonable Demurrage/Detention Charges
Complainants allege Ocean Network Express unreasonably assessed demurrage and detention charges. The complaint (served June 17, 2025) asks the Federal Maritime Commission to address these practices; the administrative initial decision is due June 17, 2026 and the final decision by December 31, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09667 — Solicitation for Applications To Serve as Members on the National Shipper Advisory Committee
The Federal Maritime Commission is looking for new members to join the National Shipper Advisory Committee, which helps improve fairness and reliability in ocean shipping. If you have experience with importing or exporting goods by sea, you can apply by May 28, 2026. This is a great chance to influence important shipping policies that affect businesses across the U.S.
2026-09450 — Rulemaking Procedures
The Federal Maritime Commission is updating how it makes rules to make the process clearer, simpler, and more modern by moving everything online and following new government review steps. These changes affect anyone involved in U.S. ocean shipping rules, like exporters and importers, and aim to speed up rulemaking without adding extra costs. You’ve got until June 12, 2026, to share your thoughts on these improvements!
2026-09452 — Notice of Agreements Filed
Two shipping companies just updated their deal to share space on more routes and extended it through May 18, 2026. Another pair of marine terminals agreed to work together better by sharing info and coordinating schedules starting June 21, 2026. These changes help improve shipping efficiency and could affect how cargo moves along the coast, with no direct cost changes announced yet.
2026-07190 — Notice of Request for Additional Information
The Federal Maritime Commission has hit pause on a big shipping agreement update involving major global shipping companies. They’ve asked for more info before the changes can go live, giving everyone 15 days to share their thoughts. This means the update won’t happen as planned, so businesses should watch for new timelines and possible impacts on shipping costs or schedules.
2026-05747 — Notice of Agreement Filed
CMA CGM and Marfret just updated their shipping deal to include Ireland and add more ships to their service. This change starts on May 3, 2026, and could mean faster or more frequent shipping for businesses and customers involved. If you’re interested, you’ve got about 12 days to share your thoughts with the Federal Maritime Commission.
2026-05212 — Notice of Agreements Filed
Big shipping companies CMA CGM and NEOLINE are teaming up to share space on their ships traveling between Europe and the U.S. East Coast. This deal, starting April 20, 2026, could make shipping smoother and more efficient for businesses relying on these routes. If you have thoughts or info about this, you’ve got about 12 days to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11368 — Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; Order on Petition for Objection to State Operating Permit for Harvest Four Corners, L.L.C., 32-9 Central Delivery Point, San Juan County, New Mexico
The EPA reviewed a request to challenge an air pollution permit for Harvest Four Corners in New Mexico and decided to agree with some concerns but not all. This means the company must fix certain issues to keep their permit, helping protect local air quality. Changes take effect soon, so the company and community should stay tuned for updates.
Next: 2025-11370 — FormuKleen, Inc., Complainant v. Top Shipping Systems, Corp., Respondent
FormuKleen, Inc. from Boca Raton is taking Top Shipping Systems, Corp. in Miami to the Federal Maritime Commission for holding their containers hostage until unrelated fees were paid. This case could change how shipping companies handle container charges and might affect fees and delivery times. Top Shipping Systems must respond within 25 days, and a final decision is expected by the end of 2026.