Informal Complaints
Filing an Informal Complaint (Small Claim)
An informal complaint may be filed with the Commission for claims of $50,000 or less, and when an evidentiary hearing on disputed facts is not necessary.
An informal complaint must:
- Allege violations of specific sections of the Shipping Act.
- Be verified (sworn).
- Be filed within three years of the violation, if seeking reparation.
- Include three copies of the claim and any supporting documents (for example affidavits, correspondence, bills of lading, paid freight bills, etc). Copies of tariff pages need not be filed.
- Be accompanied by a $67 filing fee.
The respondent has 25 days to file with the Commission a response to the claim. In this response the respondent must indicate whether s/he consents to the informal procedure. If s/he does not consent, the complaint becomes a formal complaint. Failure to indicate consent or refusal will be deemed to indicate consent.
Please contact the Office of the Secretary for a more detailed information packet on filing an informal complaint.