FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Solicitation for Applications to Serve as Members on the 

National Shipper Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Federal Maritime Commission.

ACTION: Request for applications.

SUMMARY: The Federal Maritime Commission (“Commission”) is requesting applications

from qualified candidates to be considered for appointment as a member of the National Shipper 

Advisory Committee (“Committee”). This recently established Committee will advise the 

Commission on policies relating to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity, and fairness of the 

international ocean freight delivery system. 

DATES: Applications should be sent to the email address specified below and must be 

received on or before June 30, 2021.

ADDRESSES: All applications should be emailed to the Designated Federal Officer 

(DFO), Rachel E. Dickon, Email: nsac@fmc.gov .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel E. Dickon, Phone: (202) 523-5725; 

Email: nsac@fmc.gov . A copy of the Committee’s charter can be obtained by accessing the 

Committee website at www.fmc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Shipper Advisory Committee is a 

federal advisory committee. It will operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory 

Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., and 46 U.S.C. chapter 425. The Committee was established on 

January 1, 2021, when the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 became law. 

Pub. L. No. 116-283, section 8604, 134 Stat. 3388 (2021). The Committee will provide 
information, insight, and expertise pertaining to conditions in the ocean freight delivery system 

to the Commission. Specifically, the Committee will advise the Commission on policies relating 

to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity, and fairness of the international ocean freight 

delivery system. 46 U.S.C. 42502(b).

The Committee will consist of twenty-four members, including a Chair and a Vice Chair, 

elected by the Committee from among the Committee’s members. Id. 42502(c)(1), 42503(g). 

Twelve members will represent entities who export cargo from the United States using ocean 

common carriers and twelve members will represent entities who import cargo to the United 

States using ocean common carriers. Id. 42502(c)(3). The Commission intends to balance the 

membership of the Committee and will consider factors to include commodities shipped, ports 

used, geographic areas served, and origins of cargo, as well as other relevant factors.

Appointments shall be made without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, national 

origin, sex, disability, or religion.

Members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Commission. Id. 42503(e)(2) 

and (3). The Commission may require an individual to pass an appropriate security background 

examination before appointment to the Committee. Id. 42503(e)(4). Under 46 U.S.C. 

42503(e)(6)(a), membership terms expire on December 31 of the third full year after the 

effective date of the appointment. After a member’s term expires, the member may continue to 

serve for up to one year until a successor is appointed. Id. 42503(e)(6)(B). Members’ terms are 

renewable. Id. 42503(e)(8).

In accordance with 46 U.S.C. 42503(a), the Committee is required to hold meetings at 

least once a year, but it may meet at the call of the Commission or a majority of the Committee 

members. The Commission plans to host Committee meetings at Commission headquarters at 
800 North Capitol Street Northwest, Washington, D.C or virtually using video meeting 

technology. All members will serve at their own expense and receive no salary or other 

compensation from the Federal Government. 

The following information must be included in the package of materials submitted for 

each individual applying for consideration: 

(1) a statement that includes the name and affiliation of the applicant and a clear 

statement regarding the basis for the application, including the entity that the individual would 

represent, an explanation of how that entity is an exporter of cargo from or an importer of cargo 

to the United States using ocean common carriers, and a description of the individual’s first-hand 

experience, knowledge, or expertise in matters relating to the international ocean freight delivery 

system; 

(2) confirmation the applicant is willing to serve as a member of the Committee on a 

voluntary basis, without compensation or reimbursement; 

(3) the applicant’s contact information (please include address, daytime telephone 

number, and an email address); and 

(4) a current copy of the applicant’s curriculum vitae. 

Applications may be submitted directly by the individual applying for consideration or by 

a person or organization recommending the candidate for consideration.

Members who qualify as special Government employees (SGEs) shall demonstrate that 

they are in compliance with applicable ethics laws and regulations and comply with any requests 

or measures necessary to allow the Commission’s Designated Agency Ethics Official to access 

and review financial disclosure reports and conduct a conflict-of-interest analysis. Except for 

members who qualify as SGEs, members appointed to represent the interests of a particular 
group or entity are not subject to Federal rules and requirements that would interfere with that 

representation. 46 U.S.C. 42503(d)(1). Non-SGE members may be required to comply with 

Federal rules and laws governing employee conduct that will not impact their ability to represent 

the interests they were appointed to serve. 

Dated: June 7, 2021.

By the Commission.

Rachel E. Dickon,

Secretary.