FMC grants NVOCCs the right to negotiate shipper contracts

摘要

On December 15, 2004, following a trend for all other transportation modes, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) (www.fmc.gov) issued final regulations permitting non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) to enter into contract arrangements with shippers. These new regulations became effective on January 19, 2005. Under these regulations, NVOCCs may enter into contracts with shippers to arrange for the transportation of goods between the U.S. and international locations via ocean carriers. Previously NVOCCs could arrange for the transportation of goods only in accordance with tariffs each published. The tariffs were subject to regulation by the FMC, although in recent years the FMC has rarely become involved in issues related to the rate level an NVOCC established in a tariff.