Apply Now: Shape U.S. Ocean Shipping Policies as Advisor
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Service Is Unpaid and At Your Expense
All members serve at their own expense and receive no salary or other compensation from the Federal Government. The notice explicitly states members must be willing to serve on a voluntary basis without compensation or reimbursement.
Apply to Join National Shipper Committee
If you have experience importing or exporting goods by sea, you can apply to be a member of the National Shipper Advisory Committee by emailing an application that must be received on or before May 28, 2026. The notice explicitly says self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted and encourages letters of support but does not provide pay for members.
Membership Balance: 12 Importers, 12 Exporters
The Committee will have 24 members total: 12 members must represent entities that export cargo from the United States and 12 must represent entities that import cargo to the United States using ocean common carriers. Applicants must state which class (importer or exporter) they would represent.
Meetings: At Least Once Per Year; DC or Virtual
The Committee is required to meet at least once each year and the Commission plans to host meetings at the Commission headquarters in Washington, DC, or virtually using video meeting technology. Meetings may be called more frequently by the Commission or a majority of Committee members.
Term Lengths, Renewals, Background & Ethics Rules
Members' terms expire on December 31 of the third full year after appointment, may continue for up to one year until a successor is appointed, and are renewable. The Commission may require a security background examination, and members who qualify as Special Government Employees must comply with ethics and financial disclosure reviews.
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
2026-20353, Renewal of Agency Information Collections of Previously Approved Collections; FMC Assistance Center; 3072-0075; 60-Day Public Comment Request
The Federal Maritime Commission is renewing its info collection through a web portal where the public can share complaints, concerns, and requests related to ocean shipping. This helps the agency follow the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 and reduce paperwork hassle. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until December 4, 2026, to comment—no fees involved, just your voice!
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.
2026-17877, 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!
2026-16345, Notice of Agreements Filed
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.
2026-14646, 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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09666, Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0117
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info from towing vessel operators without changing the rules. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by July 13, 2026, to help make sure this paperwork is useful and not too much trouble. This keeps safety and regulations on track without adding extra costs or delays.
Next: 2026-09668, Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0119
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting info for its Exchange System Scholarship applications, with no changes to the process. This affects students applying for scholarships and anyone helping with the paperwork. You’ve got until June 15, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or extra hassle planned.