About
The FMC assists in resolving complaints and disputes related to ocean transportation activities. The table below provides links to access resources available at the FMC.
| Type of Assistance | Assistance Description | Contact Office |
| Submit comment or general inquiry | Answer general inquiries and route to the correct Commission Bureau or Office | Office of the Secretary |
| File formal complaint | Assist with filing a formal complaint alleging a Shipping Act violation | Office of the Secretary |
| File small claims complaint | Assist with filing a small claims complaint alleging a Shipping Act violation for claims of $50,000 or less | Office of the Secretary |
| File charge complaint | Assist with filing a charge complaint | Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance (BEIC) |
| Request dispute resolution services | Assist with resolving ocean shipping and cruise disputes | Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) |
| Report noncompliance/ request an investigation | Assist with reporting Shipping Act violations or other noncompliance | Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance (BEIC) |
Complaints
The FMC adjudicates complaints alleging violations of the laws it administers.
Formal Complaint
Any person may file a formal complaint to allege violations of the Shipping Act. The complaint must be sworn and verified, and if seeking reparations, must be filed within three years of the claimed violation. Formal complaints are generally heard by an Administrative Law Judge and are reviewed by the Commission.
Small Claims Complaint
For claims of $50,000 or less, a small claim alleging Shipping Act violations may be filed. The complaint will be handled by a small claims officer for resolution using informal procedures (46 CFR Part 502 Subpart S).
Charge Complaint
Any person may submit a complaint about charges assessed by a common carrier that they believe may not comply with sections 41104(a) or 41102 of the Shipping Act as amended. Once received, a charge complaint will be investigated by the Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance and may result in a Commission decision requiring the carrier to refund or waive a noncompliant charge.
Additional Resources
Dispute Resolution Services
With no fees for services, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) offers ombuds assistance to resolve challenges and disputes involving: Cargo Shipments, Household Goods Shipments, and Cruises.
Request a Legal Opinion
Any person may request from the General Counsel a legal opinion on a discrete area of law not yet addressed by the Commission. Legal opinions usually result in a narrowly tailored response to a specific set of facts. A legal opinion from the General Counsel is not a judgment of the Commission and does not bind the Commission in any subsequent case. The General Counsel will not issue legal opinions on matters pending before the Commission, a court, or other tribunal. A request for a legal opinion should be made in writing, and should contain a detailed narrative of the specific facts or circumstances about which an opinion is requested.
Any request for a legal opinion should state whether the requestor has contacted any other branches of the Commission regarding the facts related to a discrete area of the law, not yet addressed by the Commission, for which an opinion is being requested.
Petitions
How-to
- Become FMC Licensed
- File Service Contracts
- File an Agreement and Agreement Types
- Apply for PVO Certificate
- Apply for Practice Before the Commission for Non-Attorneys
- Request Issuance, Amendment or Repeal of FMC Rules
- File an Information Guidelines Change Request
- Request a Review of Classified or Declassified FMC Information
- Make a FOIA Request