Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Michael A. Khouri and three other Commissioners expressed their support of the issuance of the supplemental order to Fact Finding Investigation 29 as well as their own views as to how to address the problems.
Chairman Khouri disclosed that the issues raised -- return of empty containers, availability of empty containers for U.S. export cargos, and demurrage and detention charges in and around the marine terminals -- also caused related problems.
He noted that there have been assertions made that "vessel operators have required dray truck companies to pay detention levies in situations where the recent interpretative rule, now finalized in 46 C.F.R. section 545.5, might be applicable. Further, there have been allegations that vessel operator personnel have told dray truck operators and ocean transportation intermediaries (OTI) that they must pay such ancillary charges even in commercial situations where such party is not responsible for payment of such charges. Further, there have been allegations that the regulated entity has told the dray truck operator or the OTI that if they do not pay, they will be put on a “blacklist” and not receive any further business."
Chairman Khouri encouraged all ocean supply chain stakeholders to participate and cooperate in the investigation to bring forward verified evidence and constructive solutions to these disruptions and bottlenecks along the ocean supply chain.
Commissioner Daniel B. Maffei said that some carriers have taken positive steps to work with other groups in the supply chain to develop more fair and efficient practices as the pandemic crisis evolved over the past weeks.
"However, there are reports that some carriers are threatening high charges for failure to return empty containers on time, even in cases where congestion has made it difficult or impossible to do so. I fear there are too many in the industry who may be ignoring the principles set out in the interpretive rule when it comes to levying detention and demurrage charges," he said.
Commissioner Maffei identified two compelling problems facing the industry: (1) there are increasing reports that the delays and congestion problems are being exacerbated by carrier demands that a container, once emptied, be returned to a different location from that where it was obtained; and (2) the apparent lack of availability of containers needed to export chemical and agricultural products is concerning.
Commissioner Maffei said, "It is imperative that we determine whether these container return policies are being implemented in a reasonable manner." He also believes the FMC has a responsibility to ensure that carriers do not limit the containers for U.S. exports in a way that is inconsistent with the Shipping Act and other U.S. laws.
Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel believes these supply chain problems need to be addressed:
Availability of intermodal chassis at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the availability of containers.
Application of the new FMC interpretative rule on detention and demurrage, policies on the return empty loads that restrict empty container delivery, and charge detention during this time.
Availability of skilled longshore labor to perform loading and unloading with larger than ever vessel sizes and vessel calls with all-time high cargo volume.
Information that beneficial cargo owners have restocked their warehouses and are failing to pick up cargo at marine terminals, or alternatively storing cargo at their facilities, and failing to unload containers and release chassis back into trade.
Commissioner Louis E. Sola believes that the interpretive rule on detention and demurrage, if followed correctly by all sides, would address 98% of incidents.
According to Commissioner Sola, "Now is the time, more than ever, when we need technology, labor, terminals, truckers, rail, and other stakeholders to come together and ensure fast and efficient movement of all goods. We can not allow the current situation to unduly enrich some and penalize others nor can we allow the current congestion to create an imbalance in the flow of goods. Exports, as well as imports, must be given adequate attention and protection. We cannot focus exclusively upon the import side of the equation."