The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent U.S. government agency established in 1961, responsible for regulating oceanborne foreign trade to ensure a competitive and reliable global ocean transportation system. The FMC supervises both Vessel Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs) and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) to protect the U.S. shipping public, exporters, importers, and consumers from unfair practices.
The FMC also reviews and monitors agreements among ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators, makes sure that tariff rates are published and accessible to the public, and assists in resolving shipping disputes. Furthermore, the FMC investigates complaints about rates and practices that breach the Shipping Act of 1984, keeps service contracts confidential, and verifies the financial responsibility of cruise lines for claims.
