More Than 100 Lawmakers Support FMC Penalties Against Unfair Carrier Practices

A bipartisan group of lawmakers urged the Federal Maritime Commission to penalize carriers that decline to carry U.S. agricultural exports and asked for monthly updates on the FMC’s investigation into the matter (see 2011200024 and 2102170060). In a March 9 letter, more than 100 House members said they are concerned by reports carriers are sending empty containers back overseas rather than filling them with exports because the carriers can charge higher rates for imports (see 2103050014). “Such activity constricts entire supply chains and propels trade to move only in an inbound direction,” the lawmakers said. “These conditions are unsustainable for exporters, put significant strain on the U.S. economy, and simply unacceptable.”

The House members said they “appreciate and support” the FMC’s investigation into supply chain and port issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and urged the commission to hold carriers accountable for unfair transportation practices. “Should the investigation reveal any wrongdoing,” the letter said, “we urge the Commission to take appropriate enforcement actions to end such practices swiftly and decisively.” An FMC spokesperson didn’t comment.