News / Congestion cost us money too, say lines after shippers call for reduced charges

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The World Shipping Council (WSC) has hit back at calls from shippers that the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) should use its authority under the Shipping Act to force terminal operators and ocean carriers to waive or reduce demurrage and detention charges during periods of severe port congestion.

The comments from shippers followed the publication last month of the FMC’s detention and demurrage charges discussion document. Liner shipping lobby group the WSC said some respondents had made a “sweeping claim” that ...