Senate Commerce Chairman Urges FMC to Prioritize Petition to Prevent Certain Fees in Emergency Situations
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., wrote a Sept. 5 letter to the Federal Maritime Commission urging the agency to “prioritize” a December petition for FMC to issue a rulemaking preventing common carriers and marine terminal operators from charging…
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demurrage, detention and per diem fees during events beyond shippers’ control (see 1612090018). “Agricultural producers, manufacturers, retailers, and transportation service providers have questioned the fairness of detention and demurrage charges in situations involving port congestion and other circumstances,” Thune wrote. “They assert that such charges have implications for one of the Commission’s critical responsibilities -- to ensure a common carrier or marine terminal operator does not fail to establish, observe, and enforce just and reasonable regulations and practices when receiving, handling, storing, or delivering property.” Thune also urged FMC to engage affected stakeholders and, as warranted, consider “further action” to resolve ongoing concerns.