Trump Monitoring Carrier Alliances

A bill was passed this week in the US, which provides the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) with more power to regulate ocean carrier alliances.

The revised Shipping Act was approved by President Trump this week and provides protection to container terminal operators, and other port and terminal providers, against rates being pushed to unrealistic levels by the collective bargaining power of the steamship line alliances. 

The new regulations also include the requirement for the FMC to report to Congress on a yearly basis, outlining the impact and effects of the ocean carrier alliances and on anti competitive behaviour.

The act, which is the first major FMC revision in almost 20 years, also legislation for freight forwarders and NVOCC’s, who are not allowed to advertise services on US trades without appropriate licensing.