The Federal Maritime Commission met virtually and in closed session on the 7th of April 2021 to discuss developments in the ongoing Fact Finding 29 investigation of challenges to the freight delivery system and possible Shipping Act violations, and to receive a briefing on the agency’s monitoring activities of ocean carrier alliances.

This was the first meeting presided over by Chairman Daniel B. Maffei since being designated head of agency by President Joseph Biden the week before.

Commissioner Rebecca Dye, who serves as the Fact Finding Officer for Fact Finding 29, reported on developments related to her investigation into the behaviour and practices of certain ocean carriers and marine terminal operators.

“While most participants in the supply chain are doing their best to cope with the unprecedented import boom, there are reports of container ship lines and terminal operators unfairly taking advantage of the situation or denying service to exporters in a way that may violate the Shipping Act. We must get to the bottom of this situation ASAP and that’s why Commissioner Dye’s investigation is crucial,” said Chairman Maffei.

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