An official website of the United States governmentHere’s how you knowHere’s how you know**Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
				**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**A **lock**(Locked padlock icon) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.Federal Maritime Commission



Affilite Info for Search FMC.gov
        Search FMC.gov
        SearchFederal Maritime Commission



Menu
				Close
							AboutComplaints and AssistanceLicensing and CertificationProceedingsDatabases and PublicationsNews and Advisories



Affilite Info for Search FMC.gov
        Search FMC.gov
        Search Home
 Filing a Small Claims Complaint
 On this page
Format for Filing a Small Claims Complaint



Notice
			The Commission is temporarily waiving certain requirements related to paper filing of documents, ink signatures, and service by mail of complaints in 46 C.F.R. part 502. See the following links for more information:
Waiver of Certain Filing Requirements Due to COVID19 [PDF, 80.2 KB]







A small claim may be filed to seek reparations (damages) from another individual or company (the Respondent) for economic injury not exceeding $50,000 caused by violations of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 411).



The Commission provides a standard format for filing a small claims complaint.  All small claims complaint filings should follow this standard format. You may not simply sign and submit the exhibit. The information shown in brackets is to guide you regarding what information you must provide.



Small Claims are determined by a settlement officer using informal procedures and are governed by Commission rules found at 46 CFR 502.301-502.305. Please review these rules before filing an informal complaint.



Please note that a Respondent may object to the informal procedure within 25 days of being served. Should Respondent refuse the informal procedure, the claim will be assigned to an Administrative Law Judge for formal adjudication under Subpart T of the Commission’s rules.



A small claims complaint must:



State a section of the Shipping Act  found in 46 USC Chapter 411 you allege was violated



Be properly signed and sworn or verified by using a notary public or making one of the statements below and signing the name afterward
If you are located in the United States: “I declare (or certify, verify or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”



If you are located outside the United States: “I declare (or certify, verify or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.”



Be signed and dated



Include an original and two copies of the claim and supporting documentation



Be filed within three years from the time the cause of action accrued (i.e., the date the Shipping Act violation occurred)



Be mailed, with the appropriate filing fee to:**David Eng**SecretaryFederal Maritime Commission800 N. Capitol St. N.W.Washington, DC 20573







Format for Filing a Small Claims Complaint


Format for Filing a Small Claims Complaint [PDF, 18 KB] Return to top
    
    
    
    **FMC Information**
    
    
    
    About the FMC
    
    
    
    Employment Opportunities
    
    
    
    Site Policies
    
    
    
    FOIA
    
    
    
    **Government Information**
    
    
    
    Inspector General
    
    
    
    U.S. Office of Special Counsel
    
    
    
    Open Government at the FMC
    
    
    
    USA.gov
    
    
    
    Federal Maritime Commission
    
    
    Our mission is to **ensure a competitive and reliable** **international ocean transportation supply system** that supports the U.S. economy and protects the public from unfair and deceptive practices.
    
    
    
    X
    
    YouTube
    
    LinkedIn800 North Capitol Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20573inquiries@fmc.gov