The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued letters to the three global carrier alliances requiring that certain carrier-specific trade data currently filed with the Commission quarterly, must now be submitted on a monthly basis.
Shippers have recently complained about the lack of export container availability and considerably high freight rates on trans-Pacific trades, while the FMC has already begun investigating alliance practices in the ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey.
FMC Chairman Michael Khouri stated: “If we detect any indication of carrier behaviour that may violate the Shipping Act’s section 6(g) competition standard, we will immediately seek to address these concerns with direct carrier discussions.
“If necessary, the FMC will go to federal court to seek an injunction to enjoin further operation of the alliance agreement.”