News / Congress pushes FMC to act on carriers opting for empty boxes vs exports

© Khunaspix Dreamstime.

Political pressure is mounting on US authorities to crack down on shipping lines that refuse to carry American exports in preference to loading empty containers.

Yesterday, 111 members of Congress jointly signed a letter calling for the FMC to hold carriers to account.

They said: “Over the past year, American producers, exporters and entire economic sectors have grappled with widespread delays, bottlenecks and increasing fees at our ports.

“These challenges are exacerbated by reports that VOCCs [vessel operating common carriers] are delivering shipments ...