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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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
2026-14678, 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.
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!
2026-14541, Nancy Prior, Complainant v. AMOOV Group; FreightLead LLC; and Air 7 Seas Transport Logistics, Inc., Respondents; Notice of Filing of Amended Complaint
Nancy Prior from Florida has filed an updated complaint against AMOOV Group, FreightLead LLC, and Air 7 Seas Transport Logistics for holding her household goods and demanding unfair fees without a contract. These companies must respond by July 28, 2026, and the case will wrap up with a final decision by July 28, 2027. This could affect how shipping companies handle charges and customer property in the future.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09428, Clearing Requirement Determination Under Section 2(h) of the Commodity Exchange Act for Interest Rate Swaps to Account for CAD and MXN Interest Rate Benchmark Transitions
The CFTC is updating rules for interest rate swaps in Canadian and Mexican money to switch from old benchmark rates (CDOR and TIIE) to new, safer ones (CORRA and F-TIIE). This change affects traders and clearinghouses who handle these swaps, making sure everything stays smooth and secure as markets evolve. Comments on the proposal are open until June 11, 2026, so stakeholders have a chance to weigh in before it kicks in.
Next: 2026-09479, Excepted Fertility Benefits
The government is proposing new rules to create a special category for fertility benefits that don’t have to follow all the usual health insurance rules. This change affects employers and health plans offering fertility help, making it easier and more flexible to provide these benefits. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until July 13, 2026, to comment—this could impact how much fertility care costs and how it’s covered.