Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

1/31/2024, 5:27 PM

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

This act revises requirements governing ocean shipping to increase the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to promote the growth and development of U.S. exports through an ocean transportation system that is competitive, efficient, and economical. For example, the bill requires the FMC to (1) investigate complaints about detention and demurrage charges (i.e., late fees) charged by common ocean carriers, (2) determine whether those charges are reasonable, and (3) order refunds for unreasonable charges. It also prohibits common ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, or ocean transportation intermediaries from unreasonably refusing cargo space when available or resorting to other unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods.

Congress
117

Number
S - 3580

Introduced on
2022-02-03

# Amendments
1

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

This act revises requirements governing ocean shipping to increase the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to promote the growth and development of U.S. exports through an ocean transportation system that is competitive, efficient, and economical. For example, the bill requires the FMC to (1) investigate complaints about detention and demurrage charges (i.e., late fees) charged by common ocean carriers, (2) determine whether those charges are reasonable, and (3) order refunds for unreasonable charges. It also prohibits common ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, or ocean transportation intermediaries from unreasonably refusing cargo space when available or resorting to other unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to prohibited acts by ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact
Administrative law and regulatory procedures•
Administrative remedies•
Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration•
Cardiovascular and respiratory health•
Civil actions and liability•
Competition and antitrust•
Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits•
Contracts and agency•
Emergency medical services and trauma care•
Federal Maritime Commission•
Government information and archives•
Government studies and investigations•
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances•
Infectious and parasitic diseases•
Licensing and registrations•
Marine and inland water transportation•
Marine pollution•
Motor carriers•
Navigation, waterways, harbors•
Public participation and lobbying•
Railroads•
Technology assessment•
Transportation costs•
Transportation employees•
Transportation programs funding•
Transportation safety and security

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary10/26/2022

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

This act revises requirements governing ocean shipping to increase the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to promote the growth and development of U.S. exports through an ocean trans...


Latest Action6/16/2022
Became Public Law No: 117-146.