SimpliShip Blog FMC Licensing and Its Role in International Shipping

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulates the U.S. international ocean shipping system. They audit contracts among international ocean carriers serving the United States for unfair practices or any arrangements that would adversely affect the cost of shipping. By instituting tariffs, the FMC helps to regulate shipping costs, so Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC) set prices fairly. The FMC intercedes when foreign governments or private businesses create undesirable conditions on U.S. shipping trades. They provide a place where they resolve shipping disputes by investigating and making rulings on legitimate complaints.Freight forwarders and NVOCC's should obtain a FMC license.