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
2026-12630 — Notice of Agreements Filed
Big shipping companies like Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, MSC, and Zim are updating their teamwork agreements to improve how they share space and routes between the U.S., South America, India, and the Caribbean. These changes kick in between late July and early August 2026 and could affect shipping schedules and costs. If you’re interested, you’ve got about a week or two to send your thoughts to the Federal Maritime Commission.
2026-12136 — Notice of Agreements Filed
The Federal Maritime Commission announced updates to two shipping agreements that affect workers and shipping companies. One changes how employee benefit costs are calculated, and the other expands shipping routes to include the Dominican Republic. People interested have about a week or two to share their thoughts before these changes take effect in June and July 2026.
2026-11932 — Global Kings Logistics/Kamordeen, Complainant v. Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc., Respondent; Notice of Filing of Complaint and Assignment
Global Kings Logistics is officially complaining that Mediterranean Shipping Company messed up their invoices by mixing charges and leaving out important details. This affects businesses relying on clear shipping bills and could lead to changes in how invoices are handled. The case kicks off now, with decisions expected by mid-2027, so keep an eye on your shipping paperwork!
2026-10996 — Inflation Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties
The Federal Maritime Commission won’t raise civil penalty amounts in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means businesses and individuals under FMC rules will see the same penalty limits as in 2025. The rule kicks in on June 2, 2026, keeping things steady for now.
2026-10670 — Down Quark Systems, LLC and SunnySide Digital, Inc., Complainants v. Zim American Integrated Shipping Services Co., LLC; Zim Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.; and Port of Houston Authority of Harris County, Texas, Respondents; Notice of Filing of Complaint and Assignment
Down Quark Systems and SunnySide Digital are taking on Zim Shipping and the Port of Houston, claiming unfair fees for holding their containers too long. This fight could change how shipping charges work at the Houston port and might save businesses money stuck with surprise fees. Keep an eye out—this case is just getting started and could shake up shipping rules soon!
2026-10477 — Renewal of Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Requested; Containerized Freight Statistics-Imports and Exports; 3072-0074
The Federal Maritime Commission is asking to keep collecting info on container ship imports and exports, but with some updates. Shipping companies and related businesses should take note and can share their thoughts by June 26, 2026. This helps the government keep track of trade without adding extra hassle or costs.
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