The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) recently launched an on-demand video to explain the available public avenues for pursuing demurrage and detention complaints.
The 22-minute instructional video clarifies the procedures, timelines, considerations, and outcomes of three Commission processes: reporting a violation by contacting an area representative; finding a commercial solution by contacting the Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS); and filing a small-claims or formal complaint by contacting the Office of the Secretary.
“The video can be watched in its entirety, but for viewers looking to jump to a particular section, information on reporting a violation begins at 3:50, instructions on how to work with CADRS begins at 8:30, and an explanation of the civil litigation process begins at 13:21.”
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO
The webinar came as a recommendation from FMC Commissioner Rebecca Dye, who discovered during Fact Finding 29 that confusion surrounding the agency’s programs had prevented the trade community from receiving formal relief and reporting suspected wrongdoing.
FACT FINDING NO. 29: INTERNATIONAL OCEAN TRANSPORTATION SUPPLY CHAIN ENGAGEMENT
REPORT A VIOLATION
To report a violation, but not recover damages or resolve an ongoing dispute.
Contact the Area Representative
- Go to fmc.gov, select About the FMC, then choose Bureaus & Offices, or
- E-mail [email protected]
- https://www.fmc.gov/about-the-fmc/bureaus-offices/area-representatives/
FIND A COMMERCIAL SOLUTION
To resolve a single dispute quickly and are willing to be flexible on solutions.
Contact Commercial Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS)
- Go to fmc.gov, select Databases & Services, then choose Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services
- E-mail [email protected]
SMALL CLAIMS OF FORMAL COMPLAINT
For issues without a flexible solution, the dispute may be heard by an adjudicator.
Contact the Office of the Secretary
- Go to fmc.gov, select Resources & Services to understand the difference between a Small Claim and a Formal Complaint
- E-mail [email protected]
- https://www.fmc.gov/about-the-fmc/bureaus-offices/office-of-the-secretary/
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