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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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