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
2026-17877, Notice of Agreements Filed
The Federal Maritime Commission announced updates to several shipping agreements involving Hyundai Glovis, EUKOR Car Carriers, Liberty Global Logistics, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean. These changes mainly remove joint contracting powers and update contact info, effective late August 2026. If you’re involved in shipping or logistics, keep an eye out and send your comments within 7 to 12 days to have your say!
2026-17876, Charge Complaint Procedures
Starting September 1, 2026, people can file complaints about shipping charges either through a quick interim process or a traditional legal route with a judge or small claims officer. Shipping companies must prove their fees, like demurrage or detention charges, are fair. This change helps anyone dealing with unfair shipping fees get their issues sorted faster and clearer, with no extra cost signals mentioned.
2026-16271, Renewal of Agency Information Collections of Previously Approved Collections; Ocean Transportation Intermediaries; 3072-0018; 60-Day Public Comment Request
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) invites comments on the information collection related to Licensing, Financial Responsibility Requirements and General Duties for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries and Related Forms. This notice announces a renewal of an existing collection and includes updates to the collection based on reduction in burden hours due to a new electronic platform and an increase in the number of entities required to respond.
2026-16345, Notice of Agreements Filed
2026-14646, MAC Industries Inc. dba MAC Container Line, Complainant v. COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd., COSCO Shipping Lines (North America) Inc., and COSCO Shipping Lines (India) Private, Respondents; Notice of Filing of Amended Complaint
MAC Container Line is taking on COSCO Shipping for charging unfair detention fees and blocking future bookings. This fight affects shipping companies and could change how ocean carriers handle fees and contracts. COSCO must respond within 25 days, with a final decision expected by mid-2027, so keep an eye on your shipping bills!
2026-14678, Notice of Agreements Filed
Two big shipping companies, Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express, have teamed up to share space on ships traveling between India, Oman, and the U.S. East Coast. This new agreement starts on July 16, 2026, and could make shipping faster and smoother for businesses involved. People have about 12 days to share their thoughts or concerns about this deal with the government.
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