FMC Dismisses Complaint Against MSC After Company Issues Refund

October 5, 2023 by Noah Garfinkel|Other U.S.

The Federal Maritime Commission last week dismissed a charge complaint against Mediterranean Shipping Company lodged by SOFi Paper Products after MSC refunded SOFi for a congestion surcharge that allegedly violated U.S. shipping regulations. The FMC also determined no violations "of the Shipping Act were proven in this proceeding."

"Ultimately, MSC settled with us and provided repayment for the charges," a SOFi spokesperson said. "There is only so much time we have to continue an argument like this with a monster company like MSC," the person said, adding that they hope MSC doesn't "take advantage of other small businesses like this." MSC didn't respond to our request for comment.

The FMC in February had ordered MSC to prove why it shouldn't be ordered to refund the surcharge and potentially face a civil penalty (see 2302060020). MSC later that month asked FMC to dismiss the case after saying it refunded SOFi in full (see 2302270039).