FMC Establishes Protocol for all Public Communications Related to Hanjin Shipping Disruptions

Contacts:
John K. DeCrosta, 202-523-5911 (Media & Legislative Branch)
CADRS, 1-866-448-9586 (Reporting Shipping Act Violations & Requests for Assistance)

The Federal Maritime Commission has established a protocol for communicating requests for assistance to the agency concerning developments related to the status of Hanjin Shipping.

Allegations of Shipping Act violations or requests for assistance related to retrieving or receiving cargo in transit should be communicated in writing via:

Email: complaints@fmc.gov

All correspondence should include “URGENT—HANJIN SHIPPING” in the subject line.

The Commission continues to monitor the operational and competitive impacts of this disruption and is particularly interested in learning of any conduct by any regulated entity that may violate the Shipping Act. Members of the shipping public are encouraged to share with the agency any specific allegations of illegal behavior.

When writing the Commission on this matter, the following information should be provided:

1. Name (If you are assisting someone else, also provide his/her name(s) and your relationship);
2. Company Name(s), if applicable;
3. Contact Information and/or Representative(s) (phone, fax, address including zip code, and email, if available)
4. Name of Person or Company with whom you are having the problem
5. Contact Information for that Company or Party, including Individual’s Name(s)

Your request should also include:

1. A full description of the matter (including a description of any attempts already made to resolve the problem);
2. Your desired solution;
3. All relevant documentation (e.g., contract, bill of lading, proof of payment, bookings, Order for Service, invoice for the services, emails about the issue, dock receipts, arrival notices, invoices, terminal appointments, terminal operating hours/stoppages, etc.);
4. A description of the cargo;
5. The ports of origin and destination (including terminal, railramp, etc.); and
6. The date of shipment or sailing.

Emails will be referred to the appropriate office with the Federal Maritime Commission for review and assessment of any potential agency action.

The Commission will issue further updates and guidance as circumstances develop and warrant.

The Federal Maritime Commission is responsible for regulating the Nation’s international ocean transportation for the benefit of exporters, importers, and the American consumer. The Commission’s mission is to foster a fair, efficient, and reliable international ocean transportation system while protecting the public from unfair and deceptive practices.