The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), responsible for regulating the nation’s international ocean transportation for the benefit of exporters, importers, and consumers, approved for public comment a proposed rule that would require foreign-based unlicensed Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) to register with the Commission and expands a current tariff rate publication exemption that would allow foreign-based, unlicensed NVOCCs to enter into Negotiated Rate Arrangements in lieu of publishing a rate for cargo shipments in its tariff.
Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr. stated: “I am pleased that we have moved to consider extending to foreign unlicensed NVOCCs the regulatory relief provided more than two years ago to licensed NVOCCs. As we move forward, I would hope that the Commission will undertake further review of its regulations governing Ocean Transportation Intermediaries in order to make them more effective while providing further relief from unnecessary regulations.”