Ocean Shipping Reform: Consumer Protection and Trade Streamlining
This new law aims to streamline ocean shipping, protecting businesses and consumers from unfair carrier practices. It introduces new rules on fees, prevents discrimination, and increases transparency, potentially lowering costs and improving goods availability. Citizens may experience positive impacts through more stable prices and better access to imported products.
Key points
Prohibits ocean carriers from unreasonably refusing cargo space and engaging in other discriminatory actions.
Establishes new rules for demurrage and detention charges, requiring detailed information on invoices.
Allows individuals to file complaints about unfair charges with the Federal Maritime Commission, which can order refunds or impose penalties.
Increases transparency of ocean shipping data to help identify supply chain issues.
Strengthens the Federal Maritime Commission's ability to conduct investigations and resolve disputes, including through increased staffing.
2022-06-13
For
369
Against
42
Abstain
0
Full voting results
open_in_new
Became Law
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_3580
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Process start date: 2022-02-03
Voting date: 2022-06-13
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 256