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 Complaints and Assistance
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About
Complaints


Formal Complaint
Small Claims Complaint
Charge ComplaintDispute Resolution Services
Request a Legal Opinion
Petitions
Forms and Applications
Payment for FMC Services and Summary of Fees
How-to



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 inquiryAnswer general inquiries and route to the correct Commission Bureau or OfficeOffice of the SecretaryFile formal complaintAssist with filing a formal complaint alleging a Shipping Act violationOffice of the SecretaryFile small claims complaintAssist with filing a small claims complaint alleging a Shipping Act violation for claims of $50,000 or lessOffice of the SecretaryFile charge complaintAssist with filing a charge complaintBureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance  (BEIC)Request dispute resolution servicesAssist with resolving ocean shipping and cruise disputesConsumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS)Report noncompliance/  request an investigationAssist with reporting Shipping Act violations or other noncomplianceBureau 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.



File a Formal Complaint






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).



File a Small Claims Complaint






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.



Filing a Charge Complaint



Webinar on Charge Complaints


Additional Resources


Attorneys and Litigants



Exploring Commission Processes: The differences between contacting CADRS, filing a complaint and reporting violations



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.



Cargo Shipment Assistance



Household Goods Shipment



Cruise Passenger Assistance



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 File a Petition for Appeal of Staff Action



How to File a Petition for Declaratory Order



Forms and Applications


Forms and Applications



Payment for FMC Services and Summary of Fees


Summary of Fees for FMC Services



How-to


Become FMC Licensed



File Service Contracts



File an Agreement and Agreement Types
Preparing and Filing Ocean Common Carrier and Marine Terminal Agreements



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



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