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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
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.
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.