Shipping Watchdog Updates Rules to Rule More Efficiently Online
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
More Ex Parte Access; Post-Comment Disclosure
The FMC proposes to allow ex parte communications in informal rulemakings before a notice of proposed rulemaking and would require communications (or summaries of oral communications) received after the close of the public comment period to be promptly placed in the docket and made public. The regulatory cross-reference language will also be updated to cite the APA definitions.
No Confidential Materials in Petitions
The Commission proposes to prohibit the filing of confidential information in a petition for rulemaking. Petitioners must not include confidential materials in the petition itself.
No More Petition Filing Fees
The Commission proposes to eliminate filing fees for rulemaking petitions. If finalized, you would not have to pay a fee to file a petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule with the FMC.
All Rulemaking Dockets Go Online
The FMC will post public rulemaking dockets and accept filings on Regulations.gov (the Federal rulemaking website) instead of requiring filing by email or in the agency reading room. You can view and comment on petitions and rulemaking dockets on Regulations.gov.
No Need to Serve Prior Participants
The proposed rule removes the old requirement that commenters serve copies of replies or successive comments on all prior participants in an informal rulemaking or petition proceeding. Instead, comments and replies will be posted in the public docket on Regulations.gov.
Petitions No Longer Need Verification
The FMC proposes to remove the requirement that petitions for rulemaking be verified under oath. Petitions must still include the text or substance of the proposed rule and may include supporting data, but verification is not required.
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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.
2026-09452 — 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!
2026-04739 — Hapag-Lloyd AG-Investigation for Compliance With 46 U.S.C. 41104(a) Under the Charge Complaint Procedures of 46 U.S.C. 41310
The Federal Maritime Commission is investigating Hapag-Lloyd AG to see if they followed shipping rules about fees. If Hapag-Lloyd didn’t play by the rules, they might have to refund or cancel some charges. This affects customers and the company, with decisions coming soon after March 6, 2026.
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