FMC To Investigate Demurrage Charge Practices

J. Michael Cavanaugh and Eric Lee are Partners in our Washington DC office.

Jameson B. Rice in an Associate at our Jacksonville office.

In the wake of a hearing held by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in January regarding detention, demurrage, and per diem charges, the FMC voted on Monday, March 5, to launch an investigation focusing on the practices of vessel operating common carriers and marine terminal operators related to these storage and equipment charges.

Commissioner Rebecca Dye will lead the investigation, focusing on five key issues:

1. Whether the alignment of commercial, contractual, and cargo interests enhances or aggravates the ability of cargo to move efficiently through U.S. ports?