FMC Renews Ocean Shipping Complaint Web Form
Published Date: 10/5/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FMC web portal for shipping complaints
The Federal Maritime Commission is renewing a web portal that lets the public submit comments, complaints, concerns, reports of noncompliance, requests for investigation, and requests for alternative dispute resolution as required by Section 17(a) of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. The portal routes submissions to the appropriate FMC office and is estimated to receive 5,000 annual respondents. You can submit comments about this renewal through www.regulations.gov (docket FMC-2026-0397) by December 4, 2026.
Dispute resolution forms included in portal
The portal includes Forms FMC-32 (Dispute Resolution Service Request--Cruise) and FMC-33 (Dispute Resolution Service Request--Cargo). The FMC estimates 300 annual submissions will require one of these forms, with an estimated 20 minutes to complete those responses and 6 minutes for other portal submissions, producing a total annual respondent burden of 570 hours. The OMB control number for this collection is 3072-0075 (expires January 31, 2027).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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!
2026-17876, 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.
2026-16271, 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
2026-14646, 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!
2026-14678, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20352, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) wants your thoughts on a new info collection plan called the Sunset Rule. This affects anyone who deals with NRC paperwork and aims to keep things clear and up-to-date. You’ve got until December 4, 2026, to share your feedback—no cost involved, just your voice!