News / FMC targets refunds for unfair carrier demurrage and detention charges

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is planning to help shippers “get their money back” from “unreasonable” demurrage and detention (D&D) charges.

In November, the FMC launched an investigation into shipping lines’ role in the country’s port congestion, including D&D charges, empty container returns and the practice by some of declining agricultural exports in favour of repositioning empties to Asia.

FMC commissioner Rebecca Dye is leading the investigation into possible violations of the Shipping Act and, in particular, an interpretive rule on ...