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
 Complaints and Assistance
 Cargo Shipment Assistance
 On this page
About
Service Request Form
Rapid Response Teams



About


The Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) can assist you with problems with shipping cargo on oceanborne vessels in the U.S. foreign commerce.



Entities subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction include:



Vessel Operating Ocean Common Carriers (e.g., steamship lines)



Ocean transportation intermediaries (including non-vessel-operating common carriers and ocean freight forwarders)



Marine terminal operatorsMatters beyond the Commission’s jurisdiction will be returned to the complainant and may suggest a more suitable governmental or private agency.



Often, CADRS is able to help solve the shipping problem. In some cases, matters remain unresolved and proceed to litigation. In general, however, CADRS efforts help the parties understand and clarify the issues in a dispute.



Examples where CADRS can assist:



Locate cargo and advise how to secure release and delivery



Identify the cause of a hold or lien



Communicate with an OTI, VOCC, MTO and others that have failed to respond



Issues involving equipment availability, charges not previously negotiated, ...



Whether certain actions comply with the FMC’s regulations



Failure to reach agreement with a common carrier regarding a service contract or negotiated rate agreement or negotiated service arrangement



Service Request Form


When requesting assistance, please complete the appropriate form, add any supporting documentation, and submit it to complaints@fmc.gov.



Dispute Resolution Service Request – Cargo (FMC-33) [PDF, 378 KB]







Rapid Response Teams


While the Commission endeavors to quickly respond to all requests for assistance, the Commission’s Rapid Response is available to quickly address and help resolve urgent problems that arise between shippers and carriers involving shipping capacity and service issues. Urgent problems include:



Cancelled bookings



Rolled cargo



Equipment unavailability



Cargo stopped in transitWhen contacting the FMC CADRS’ Rapid Response Team, please specifically identify your problem, the status of the shipment, and the documentation (e.g., house and master bills of lading, invoices, booking confirmations, etc.) so that we can move quickly to help get the shipment moving or released. 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