Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

To amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to prohibited acts by ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 2. Purposes Section 40101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) ensure an efficient, competitive, and economical transportation system in the ocean commerce of the United States; ; (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting and supporting commerce needs (3) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) promote the growth and development of United States exports. . 3. Service contracts Section 40502(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (7) by striking ; and (2) in paragraph (8) by striking the period and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (9) any other essential terms that the Federal Maritime Commission determines necessary or appropriate. . 4. Shipping exchange registry (a) In general Chapter 405 40504. Shipping exchange registry (a) In general No person may operate a shipping exchange involving ocean transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States unless the shipping exchange is registered as a national shipping exchange under the terms and conditions provided in this section and the regulations issued pursuant to this section. (b) Registration A person shall register a shipping exchange by filing with the Federal Maritime Commission (referred to in this section as the Commission (c) Exemption The Commission may exempt, conditionally or unconditionally, a shipping exchange from registration under this section if the Commission finds that the shipping exchange is subject to comparable, comprehensive supervision and regulation by the appropriate governmental authorities in a foreign country where the shipping exchange is headquartered. (d) Regulations Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (e) Definition of shipping exchange In this section, the term shipping exchange . (b) Applicability The registration requirement under section 40504 of title 46, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), shall take effect on the date on which the Federal Maritime Commission states the rule is effective in the regulations issued under such section. (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 405 40504. Shipping exchange registry. . 5. Prohibition on retaliation Section 41102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Prohibition on retaliation (1) In general A common carrier, marine terminal operator, or ocean transportation intermediary, either alone or in conjunction with any other person, directly or indirectly, may not retaliate against a shipper, a motor carrier, or an agent of such a shipper or carrier by taking any action described in paragraph (2) because the shipper or motor carrier has patronized another common carrier, marine terminal operator, or ocean transportation intermediary, or has filed a complaint, or for any other reason. (2) Actions The actions described in this paragraph are— (A) refusing, or threatening to refuse, cargo space accommodations when available; or (B) resorting to any other prohibited actions under section 41104(a)(3). . 6. Public disclosure Section 46106 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Public disclosures The Federal Maritime Commission shall publish, and annually update, on the website of the Commission— (1) all findings by the Commission of false certifications by common carriers or marine terminal operators under section 41104(a)(15) of this title; and (2) all penalties imposed or assessed against common carriers or marine terminal operators, as applicable, under sections 41107, 41108, and 41109, listed by each common carrier or marine terminal operator. . 7. Common carriers (a) In general Section 41104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking may not shall not (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) with due regard being given to the proper loading of the vessel and the available tonnage, refuse cargo space accommodations when available, or resort to other unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods; ; (C) in paragraph (5), by striking in the matter of rates or charges against any commodity group or type of shipment or in the matter of rates or charges (D) in paragraph (9), by inserting against any commodity group or type of shipment or in the matter of rates or charges disadvantage (E) in paragraph (10), by adding , including with respect to vessel space accommodations negotiate (F) in paragraph (12) by striking ; or (G) in paragraph (13) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (H) by adding at the end the following: (14) assess any party for a charge that is inconsistent or does not comply with all applicable provisions of part 545 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); or (15) invoice any party for demurrage or detention charges, unless accompanied by an accurate certification that such charges comply with— (A) all provisions of part 545 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); and (B) the findings of the final rule published on May 18, 2020, entitled Interpretive Rule on Demurrage and Detention Under the Shipping Act ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (d) Violation of prohibition If the Commission determines, after an investigation in response to a submission under section 41310, that a certification under subsection (a)(15) was inaccurate or false, penalties under section 41107 shall be applied. (e) Certification Failure to include a certification under subsection (a)(15) alongside any demurrage or detention charge shall eliminate any obligation of the charged party to pay the applicable charge. . (b) Rulemaking on demurrage or detention (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall issue rulemaking further defining prohibited practices by common carriers, marine terminal operators, shippers, and ocean transportation intermediaries under section 41102(c) of title 46, United States Code, regarding the assessment of demurrage or detention charges. (2) Contents The rulemaking under paragraph (1) shall seek to further clarify reasonable rules and practices related to the assessment of detention and demurrage charges to address the issues identified in the final rule published on May 18, 2020, titled Interpretive Rule on Demurrage and Detention Under the Shipping Act (c) Rulemaking on unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall issue rulemaking defining unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods under section 41104(a)(3) of title 46, as amended by this section. (d) Rulemaking on unreasonably refuse To deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodations Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall issue rulemaking defining unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space under section 41104(a)(10) of title 46, as amended by this section. 8. Assessment of penalties or refunds (a) In general Title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 41107— (A) in the section heading, by inserting or refunds penalties (B) in subsection (a), by inserting or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, is liable for the refund of a charge civil penalty (C) in subsection (b), by inserting or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, the refund of a charge, civil penalty (2) in section 41109— (A) in the section heading, by inserting or refunds penalties (B) in subsection (a)— (i) by inserting or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, order the refund of a charge this part (ii) by inserting or refund of such charge conditions, a civil penalty (C) by striking subsection (c); (D) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as subsections (c) through (f); (E) in subsection (d), as redesignated by subparagraph (D), by inserting or order a refund of a charge civil penalty (F) in subsection (e), as redesignated by subparagraph (D), by inserting or who is ordered to refund a charge civil penalty is assessed (G) in subsection (f), as redesignated by subparagraph (D)— (i) by inserting or pay a refund of a charge of a civil penalty (ii) by inserting or the amount ordered to be refunded amount assessed (b) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 411 (1) by striking the item relating to section 41107 and inserting the following: 41107. Monetary penalties or refunds. ; and (2) by striking the item relating to section 41109 and inserting the following: 41109. Assessment of penalties or refunds. . 9. Data collection (a) In general Chapter 411 41110. Data collection (a) In general Common carriers covered under this chapter shall submit to the Federal Maritime Commission a calendar quarterly report that describes the total import and export tonnage and the total loaded and empty 20-foot equivalent units per vessel (making port in the United States, including any territory or possession of the United States) operated by such common carrier. (b) Prohibition on duplication Data required to be reported under subsection (a) may not duplicate information— (1) submitted to the Corps of Engineers pursuant to section 11 of the Act entitled An Act authorizing the construction, repair, and preservation of certain public works on rivers and harbors, and for other purposes 33 U.S.C. 555 (2) submitted pursuant to section 481 of the Tariff Act of 1930 ( 19 U.S.C. 1481 . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 411 41110. Data collection. . 10. Charge complaints (a) In general Chapter 413 41310. Charge complaints (a) In general A person may submit to the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Commission shall accept, information concerning charges. The information submitted to the Commission may include the bill of lading numbers, certifications, or any other relevant information. (b) Investigation Upon receipt of a submission under subsection (a), with respect to a charge assessed by a common carrier, the Commission shall promptly investigate the charge with regard to compliance with section 41104(a). The common carrier shall— (1) be provided an opportunity to submit additional information related to the charge in question; and (2) bear the burden of establishing the reasonableness of any demurrage or detention charges which are the subject of any complaint proceeding challenging a common carrier or marine terminal operator demurrage or detention charge pursuant to section 545.5 of title 46, Code of Federal regulations (or successor regulations). (c) Refund Upon receipt of submissions under subsection (a), if the Commission determines that a charge does not comply with section 41104(a), the Commission shall promptly order the refund of any demurrage and detention charges paid. (d) Penalties In the event of a finding that a charge does not comply with section 41104(a) after submission under subsection (a), a civil penalty under section 41107 shall be applied to the common carrier making such charge. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 413 41310. Charge complaints. . 11. Investigations (a) Amendments Section 41302 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking or agreement agreement, fee, or charge (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Agreement Agreement, fee, or charge (B) by inserting , fee, or charge agreement (b) Report The Federal Maritime Commission shall publish on a publicly available website of the Commission a report containing the results of the investigation entitled Fact Finding No. 29, International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement 12. Award of additional amounts Section 41305 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking section 41102(b), or (3) subsection (b), (c), or (d) of section 41102, paragraph (3) or (6) of section 41104(a), or paragraph (1) or (3) of section 41105 (B) by inserting or if the Commission determined that a violation of section 41104(a) of this title was made, of this title (2) in subsection (d), by striking section 41104(4)(A) or (B) subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 41104(a)(4) 13. Enforcement of reparation orders (a) In general Section 41309 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting or refund reparation (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting or refund of a charge payment of reparation (B) by inserting or to whom the refund of the charge was ordered award was made (3) in subsection (b), by inserting or refund of such a charge award of reparation (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 413 41309. Enforcement of reparation or refund orders. . 14. Annual report to Congress Section 46106(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (5) by striking and (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (7) an identification of any otherwise concerning practices by ocean common carriers, particularly such carriers that are controlled carriers, that are— (A) State-owned or State-controlled enterprises; or (B) owned or controlled by, a subsidiary of, or otherwise related legally or financially (other than a minority relationship or investment) to a corporation based in a country— (i) identified as a nonmarket economy country (as defined in section 771(18) of the Tariff Act of 1930 ( 19 U.S.C. 1677(18) (ii) identified by the United States Trade Representative in the most recent report required by section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2242 (iii) subject to monitoring by the United States Trade Representative under section 306 of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2416 . 15. Technical amendments (a) Additional penalties Section 41108(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking section 41104(1), (2), or (7) paragraph (1), (2), or (7) of section 41104(a) (b) Assessment of penalties Section 41109(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking section 41104(1) or (2) paragraph (1) or (2) of section 41104(a) 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 2. Purposes Section 40101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) ensure an efficient, competitive, and economical transportation system in the ocean commerce of the United States; ; (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting and supporting commerce needs (3) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) promote the growth and development of United States exports through a competitive and efficient system for the carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States, and by placing a greater reliance on the marketplace. . 3. Service contracts Section 40502(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (7), by striking ; and (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (9) any other essential terms that the Federal Maritime Commission determines necessary or appropriate through a rulemaking process. . 4. Shipping exchange registry (a) In general Chapter 405 40504. Shipping exchange registry (a) In general No person may operate a shipping exchange involving ocean transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States unless the shipping exchange is registered as a national shipping exchange under the terms and conditions provided in this section and the regulations issued pursuant to this section. (b) Registration A person shall register a shipping exchange by filing with the Federal Maritime Commission an application for registration in such form as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe, containing the rules of the exchange and such other information and documents as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe as necessary or appropriate to complete a shipping exchange’s registration. (c) Exemption The Commission may exempt, conditionally or unconditionally, a shipping exchange from registration under this section if the Commission finds that the shipping exchange is subject to comparable, comprehensive supervision and regulation by the appropriate governmental authorities in a foreign country where the shipping exchange is headquartered. (d) Regulations Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (e) Definition of shipping exchange In this section, the term shipping exchange . (b) Applicability The registration requirement under section 40504 of title 46, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), shall take effect on the date on which the Federal Maritime Commission states the rule is effective in the regulations issued under such section. (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 405 40504. Shipping exchange registry. . 5. Prohibition on retaliation Section 41102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Retaliation and other discriminatory actions A common carrier, marine terminal operator, or ocean transportation intermediary, acting alone or in conjunction with any other person, directly or indirectly, may not— (1) retaliate against a shipper, an agent of a shipper, an ocean transportation intermediary, or a motor carrier by refusing, or threatening to refuse, an otherwise-available cargo space accommodation; or (2) resort to any other unfair or unjustly discriminatory action for— (A) the reason that a shipper, an agent of a shipper, an ocean transportation intermediary, or motor carrier has— (i) patronized another carrier; or (ii) filed a complaint against the common carrier, marine terminal operator, or ocean transportation intermediary; or (B) any other reason. . 6. Public disclosure Section 46106 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Public disclosures The Federal Maritime Commission shall publish, and annually update, on the website of the Commission— (1) all findings by the Commission of false detention and demurrage invoice information by common carriers under section 41104(a)(15) of this title; and (2) all penalties imposed or assessed against common carriers, as applicable, under sections 41107, 41108, and 41109, listed by each common carrier. . 7. Common carriers (a) In general Section 41104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking may not shall not (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) unreasonably refuse cargo space accommodations when available, or resort to other unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods; ; (C) in paragraph (5), by striking in the matter of rates or charges against any commodity group or type of shipment or in the matter of rates or charges (D) in paragraph (10), by adding , including with respect to vessel space accommodations provided by an ocean common carrier negotiate (E) in paragraph (12) by striking ; or (F) in paragraph (13) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (G) by adding at the end the following: (14) assess any party for a charge that is inconsistent or does not comply with all applicable provisions and regulations, including subsection (c) of section 41102 or part 545 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); (15) invoice any party for demurrage or detention charges unless the invoice includes information as described in subsection (d) showing that such charges comply with— (A) all provisions of part 545 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); and (B) applicable provisions and regulations, including the principles of the final rule published on May 18, 2020, entitled Interpretive Rule on Demurrage and Detention Under the Shipping Act (16) for service pursuant to a service contract, give any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage or impose any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage against any commodity group or type of shipment. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (d) Detention and demurrage invoice information (1) Inaccurate invoice If the Commission determines, after an investigation in response to a submission under section 41310, that an invoice under subsection (a)(15) was inaccurate or false, penalties or refunds under section 41107 shall be applied. (2) Contents of invoice An invoice under subsection (a)(15), unless otherwise determined by subsequent Commission rulemaking, shall include accurate information on each of the following, as well as minimum information as determined by the Commission: (A) Date that container is made available. (B) The port of discharge. (C) The container number or numbers. (D) For exported shipments, the earliest return date. (E) The allowed free time in days. (F) The start date of free time. (G) The end date of free time. (H) The applicable detention or demurrage rule on which the daily rate is based. (I) The applicable rate or rates per the applicable rule. (J) The total amount due. (K) The email, telephone number, or other appropriate contact information for questions or requests for mitigation of fees. (L) A statement that the charges are consistent with any of Federal Maritime Commission rules with respect to detention and demurrage. (M) A statement that the common carrier’s performance did not cause or contribute to the underlying invoiced charges. (e) Safe harbor If a non-vessel operating common carrier passes through to the relevant shipper an invoice made by the ocean common carrier, and the Commission finds that the non-vessel operating common carrier is not otherwise responsible for the charge, then the ocean common carrier shall be subject to refunds or penalties pursuant to subsection (d)(1). (f) Elimination of charge obligation Failure to include the information required under subsection (d) on an invoice with any demurrage or detention charge shall eliminate any obligation of the charged party to pay the applicable charge. . (b) Rulemaking on demurrage or detention (1) In general Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall initiate a rulemaking further defining prohibited practices by common carriers, marine terminal operators, shippers, and ocean transportation intermediaries under section 41102(c) of title 46, United States Code, regarding the assessment of demurrage or detention charges. The Federal Maritime Commission shall issue a final rule defining such practices not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Contents The rule under paragraph (1) shall seek to further clarify reasonable rules and practices related to the assessment of detention and demurrage charges to address the issues identified in the final rule published on May 18, 2020, entitled Interpretive Rule on Demurrage and Detention Under the Shipping Act (c) Rulemaking on unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall initiate a rulemaking defining unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods under section 41104(a)(3) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section. The Federal Maritime Commission shall issue a final rule not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Rulemaking on unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodations Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission, in consultation with the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, shall initiate a rulemaking defining unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space under section 41104(a)(10) of title 46, as amended by this section. The Federal Maritime Commission shall issue a final rule not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act. 8. Assessment of penalties or refunds (a) In general Title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 41107— (A) in the section heading, by inserting or refunds penalties (B) in subsection (a), by inserting or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, is liable for the refund of a charge civil penalty (C) in subsection (b), by inserting or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, the refund of a charge, civil penalty (2) section 41109 is amended— (A) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following: (a) General authority Until a matter is referred to the Attorney General, the Federal Maritime Commission may— (1) after notice and opportunity for a hearing, in accordance with this part— (A) assess a civil penalty; or (B) in addition to, or in lieu of, assessing a civil penalty under subparagraph (A), order a refund of money (including additional amounts in accordance with section 41305(c)), subject to subsection (b)(2); and (2) compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, a civil penalty or refund imposed under paragraph (1). (b) Determination of amount (1) Factors for consideration In determining the amount of a civil penalty assessed or refund of money ordered pursuant to subsection (a), the Federal Maritime Commission shall take into consideration— (A) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation committed; (B) with respect to the violator— (i) the degree of culpability; (ii) any history of prior offenses; (iii) the ability to pay; and (iv) such other matters as justice may require; and (C) the amount of any refund of money ordered pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B). (2) Commensurate reduction in civil penalty (A) In general In any case in which the Federal Maritime Commission orders a refund of money pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B) in addition to assessing a civil penalty pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A), the amount of the civil penalty assessed shall be decreased by any additional amounts included in the refund of money in excess of the actual injury (as defined in section 41305(a)). (B) Treatment of refunds A refund of money ordered pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B) shall be— (i) considered to be compensation paid to the applicable claimant; and (ii) deducted from the total amount of damages awarded to that claimant in a civil action against the violator relating to the applicable violation. ; (B) in subsection (c), by striking may not be imposed or refund of money under subparagraph (A) or (B), respectively, of subsection (a)(1) may not be imposed (C) in subsection (e), by inserting or order a refund of money penalty (D) in subsection (f), by inserting , or that is ordered to refund money, assessed (E) in subsection (g), in the first sentence, by inserting or a refund required under this section penalty 9. Data collection (a) In General Chapter 411 41110. Data collection The Federal Maritime Commission shall publish on its website a calendar quarterly report that describes the total import and export tonnage and the total loaded and empty 20-foot equivalent units per vessel (making port in the United States, including any territory or possession of the United States) operated by each ocean common carrier covered under this chapter. Ocean common carriers under this chapter shall provide to the Commission all necessary information, as determined by the Commission, for completion of this report. . (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this section, and the amendment made by this section, shall be construed to compel the public disclosure of any confidential or proprietary data, in accordance with section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code. (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 411 41110. Data collection. . 10. Charge complaints (a) In general Chapter 413 41310. Charge complaints (a) In general A person may submit to the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Commission shall accept, information concerning complaints about charges assessed by a common carrier. The information submitted to the Commission may include the bill of lading numbers, invoices, or any other relevant information. (b) Investigation Upon receipt of a submission under subsection (a), with respect to a charge assessed by a common carrier, the Commission shall promptly investigate the charge with regard to compliance with section 41104(a) and section 41102. The common carrier shall— (1) be provided an opportunity to submit additional information related to the charge in question; and (2) bear the burden of establishing the reasonableness of any demurrage or detention charges pursuant to section 545.5 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (c) Refund Upon receipt of submissions under subsection (a), if the Commission determines that a charge does not comply with section 41104(a) or 41102, the Commission shall promptly order the refund of charges paid. (d) Penalties In the event of a finding that a charge does not comply with section 41104(a) or 41102 after submission under subsection (a), a civil penalty under section 41107 shall be applied to the common carrier making such charge. (e) Considerations If the common carrier assessing the charge is acting in the capacity of a non-vessel-operating common carrier, the Commission shall, while conducting an investigation under subsection (b), consider— (1) whether the non-vessel-operating common carrier is responsible for the noncompliant assessment of the charge, in whole or in part; and (2) whether another party is ultimately responsible in whole or in part and potentially subject to action under subsections (c) and (d). . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 413 41310. Charge complaints. . 11. Investigations (a) Amendments Section 41302 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking or agreement agreement, fee, or charge (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Agreement Agreement, fee, or charge (B) by inserting , fee, or charge agreement (b) Report The Federal Maritime Commission shall publish on a publicly available website of the Commission a report containing the results of the investigation entitled Fact Finding No. 29, International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement 12. Award of additional amounts Section 41305(c) of title 46, United States Code is amended by striking “41102(b)” and inserting “subsection (b) or (c) of section 41102”. 13. Enforcement of reparation orders Section 41309 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking reparation, the person to whom the award was made a refund of money or reparation, the person to which the refund or reparation was awarded (2) in subsection (b), in the first sentence— (A) by striking made an award of reparation ordered a refund of money or any other award of reparation (B) by inserting (except for the Commission or any component of the Commission) parties in the order 14. Annual report to Congress Section 46106(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (5), by striking and (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (7) an identification of any otherwise concerning practices by ocean common carriers, particularly such carriers that are controlled carriers, that are— (A) State-owned or State-controlled enterprises; or (B) owned or controlled by, a subsidiary of, or otherwise related legally or financially (other than a minority relationship or investment) to a corporation based in a country— (i) identified as a nonmarket economy country (as defined in section 771(18) of the Tariff Act of 1930 ( 19 U.S.C. 1677(18) (ii) identified by the United States Trade Representative in the most recent report required by section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2242 (iii) subject to monitoring by the United States Trade Representative under section 306 of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2416 . 15. Technical amendments (a) Section 41108(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking section 41104(1), (2), or (7) paragraph (1), (2), or (7) of section 41104(a) (b) Section 41109(c) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by section 8 of this Act, is further amended by striking section 41102(a) or 41104(1) or (2) of this title subsection (a) or (d) of section 41102 or paragraph (1) or (2) of section 41104(a) (c) Section 41305 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by section 12 of this Act, is further amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking 41104(3) or (6), or 41105(1) or (3) of this title paragraph (3) or (6) of section 41104(a), or paragraph (1) or (3) of section 41105 (2) in subsection (d), by striking section 41104(4)(A) or (B) of this title subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 41104(a)(4) 16. Dwell time statistics (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Director The term Director (2) Marine container The term marine container (A) not less than 20 feet; and (B) not greater than 45 feet. (3) Out of service percentage The term out of service (4) Street dwell time The term street dwell time (b) Authority to collect data (1) In general Each port, marine terminal operator, and chassis owner or provider with a fleet of over 50 chassis that supply chassis for a fee shall submit to the Director such data as the Director determines to be necessary for the implementation of this section, subject to subchapter III of chapter 35 (2) Approval by OMB Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall approve an information collection for purposes of this section. (c) Publication Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than monthly thereafter, the Director shall publish statistics relating to the dwell time of equipment used in intermodal transportation at the top 25 ports, including inland ports, by 20-foot equivalent unit, including— (1) total street dwell time, from all causes, of marine containers and marine container chassis; and (2) the average out of service percentage, which shall not be identifiable with any particular port, marine terminal operator, or chassis provider. (d) Factors Subject to the availability of appropriations, to the maximum extent practicable, the Director shall publish the statistics described in subsection (c) on a local, regional, and national basis. (e) Sunset The authority under this section shall expire December 31, 2026. 17. Federal maritime commission activities (a) Public submissions to commission The Federal Maritime Commission shall— (1) establish on the public website of the Commission a webpage that allows for the submission of comments, complaints, concerns, reports of noncompliance, requests for investigation, and requests for alternative dispute resolution; and (2) direct each submission under the link established under paragraph (1) to the appropriate component office of the Commission. (b) Authorization of Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services The Commission shall maintain an Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services to provide nonadjudicative ombuds assistance, mediation, facilitation, and arbitration to resolve challenges and disputes involving cargo shipments, household good shipments, and cruises subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. (c) Enhancing capacity for investigations (1) In general Pursuant to section 41302 of title 46, United States Code, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chairperson of the Commission shall staff within the Bureau of Enforcement, the Bureau of Certification and Licensing, the Office of the Managing Director, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services, and the Bureau of Trade Analysis not fewer than 7 total positions to assist in investigations and oversight, in addition to the positions within the Bureau of Enforcement, the Bureau of Certification and Licensing, the Office of the Managing Director, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services, and the Bureau of Trade Analysis on that date of enactment. (2) Duties The additional staff appointed under paragraph (1) shall provide support— (A) to Area Representatives of the Bureau of Enforcement; (B) to attorneys of the Bureau of Enforcement in enforcing the laws and regulations subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission; (C) for the alternative dispute resolution services of the Commission; or (D) for the review of agreements and activities subject to the authority of the Commission. 18. Temporary emergency authority (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Common carrier The term common carrier (2) Motor carrier The term motor carrier (3) Rail carrier The term rail carrier (4) Shipper The term shipper (b) Public input on information sharing (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall issue a request for information, seeking public comment regarding— (A) whether congestion of the carriage of goods has created an emergency situation of a magnitude such that there exists a substantial, adverse effect on the competitiveness and reliability of the international ocean transportation supply system; (B) whether an emergency order under this section would alleviate such an emergency situation; and (C) the appropriate scope of such an emergency order, if applicable. (2) Consultation During the public comment period under paragraph (1), the Commission may consult, as the Commission determines to be appropriate, with— (A) other Federal departments and agencies; and (B) persons with expertise relating to maritime and freight operations. (c) Authority To require information sharing On making a unanimous determination described in subsection (d), the Commission may issue an emergency order requiring any common carrier or marine terminal operator to share directly with relevant shippers, rail carriers, or motor carriers information relating to cargo throughput and availability, in order to ensure the efficient transportation, loading, and unloading of cargo to or from— (1) any inland destination or point of origin; (2) any vessel; or (3) any point on a wharf or terminal. (d) Description of determination (1) In general A determination referred to in subsection (c) is a unanimous determination by the commissioners on the Commission that congestion of carriage of goods has created an emergency situation of a magnitude such that there exists a substantial, adverse effect on the competitiveness and reliability of the international ocean transportation supply system. (2) Factors for consideration In issuing an emergency order pursuant to subsection (c), the Commission shall tailor the emergency order with respect to temporal and geographic scope, taking into consideration the likely burdens on common carriers and marine terminal operators and the likely benefits on congestion relating to the purposes described in section 40101 of title 46, United States Code. (e) Petitions for exception (1) In general A common carrier or marine terminal operator subject to an emergency order issued pursuant to this section may submit to the Commission a petition for exception from 1 or more requirements of the emergency order, based on a showing of undue hardship or other condition rendering compliance with such a requirement impracticable. (2) Determination The Commission shall make a determination regarding a petition for exception under paragraph (1) by— (A) majority vote; and (B) not later than 21 days after the date on which the petition is submitted. (3) Inapplicability pending review The requirements of an emergency order that is the subject of a petition for exception under this subsection shall not apply to the petitioner during the period for which the petition is pending. (f) Limitations (1) Term An emergency order issued pursuant to this section— (A) shall remain in effect for a period of not longer than 60 days; but (B) may be renewed by a unanimous determination of the Commission. (2) Sunset The authority provided by this section shall terminate on the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Investigative authority unaffected Nothing in this section shall affect the investigative authorities of the Commission as described in subpart R of part 502 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations. 19. Best practices for chassis pools (a) In general Not later than April 1, 2023, the Federal Maritime Commission shall enter into an agreement with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the Transportation Research Board shall carry out a study and develop best practices for on-terminal or near-terminal chassis pools that provide service to marine terminal operators, motor carriers, railroads, and other stakeholders that use the chassis pools, with the goal of optimizing supply chain efficiency and effectiveness. (b) Requirements In developing best practices under subsection (a), the Transportation Research Board shall— (1) take into consideration— (A) practical obstacles to the implementation of chassis pools; and (B) potential solutions to those obstacles; and (2) address relevant communication practices, information sharing, and knowledge management. (c) Publication The Commission shall publish the best practices developed under this section on a publicly available website by not later than April 1, 2024. (d) Funding Subject to appropriations, the Commission may expend such sums as are necessary, but not to exceed $500,000, to carry out this section. 20. Licensing testing (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (referred to in this section as the Administrator Waiver for States Concerning Third Party CDL Skills Test Examiners In Response to the COVID–19 Emergency (b) Permanent waiver If the Administrator finds no safety concerns after conducting a review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall— (1) notwithstanding any other provision of law, make the waiver permanent; and (2) not later than 90 days after completing the review under subsection (a), revise section 384.228 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that the discretionary waiver authority referred to in subsection (a) shall be permanent. (c) Report If the Administrator declines to move forward with a rulemaking for revision under subsection (b), the Administrator shall explain the reasons for declining to move forward with the rulemaking in a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 21. Planning Section 6702(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking Of the amounts (1) In general Of the amounts ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Nonapplicability of certain limitations Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (c)(2) shall not apply with respect to amounts made available for planning, preparation, or design under paragraph (1). . 22. Review of potential discrimination against transportation of qualified hazardous materials (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a review of whether there have been any systemic decisions by ocean common carriers to discriminate against maritime transport of qualified hazardous materials by unreasonably denying vessel space accommodations, equipment, or other instrumentalities needed to transport such materials. The Comptroller General shall take into account any applicable safety and pollution regulations. (b) Consultation The Comptroller General of the United States may consult with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission in conducting the review under this section. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Hazardous materials The term hazardous materials (2) Ocean common carrier The term ocean common carrier (3) Qualified hazardous materials The term qualified hazardous materials (4) Shipper The term shipper 23. Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (a) Definition of direct assistance to a United States port In this section: (1) In general The term direct assistance to a United States port (2) Exclusions The term direct assistance to a United States port (A) the transportation of a mixed load of cargo that includes— (i) cargo that does not originate from a United States port; or (ii) a container or cargo that is not bound for a United States port; (B) any period during which a motor carrier or driver is operating in interstate commerce to transport cargo or provide services not in support of transportation to or from a United States port; or (C) the period after a motor carrier dispatches the applicable driver or commercial motor vehicle of the motor carrier to another location to begin operation in interstate commerce in a manner that is not in support of transportation to or from a United States port. (b) Transportation Worker Identification Credentials The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall jointly prioritize and expedite the consideration of applications for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential with respect to applicants that reasonably demonstrate that the purpose of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential is for providing, within the interior of the United States, direct assistance to a United States port. 24. Use of United States inland ports for storage and transfer of cargo containers (a) Meeting Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, in consultation with the Administrator of the Maritime Administration and the Chairperson of the Federal Maritime Commission, shall convene a meeting of representatives of entities described in subsection (b) to discuss the feasibility of, and strategies for, identifying Federal and non-Federal land, including inland ports, for the purposes of storage and transfer of cargo containers due to port congestion. (b) Description of entities The entities referred to in subsection (a) are— (1) representatives of United States major gateway ports, inland ports, and export terminals; (2) ocean carriers; (3) railroads; (4) trucking companies; (5) port workforce, including organized labor; and (6) such other stakeholders as the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Federal Maritime Commission, determines to be appropriate. (c) Report to Congress As soon as practicable after the date of the meeting convened under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, in consultation with the Administrator of the Maritime Administration and the Chairperson of the Federal Maritime Commission, shall submit to Congress a report describing— (1) the results of the meeting; (2) the feasibility of identifying land or property under the jurisdiction of United States, or ports in the United States, for storage and transfer of cargo containers; and (3) recommendations relating to the meeting, if any. (d) Savings provision No authorization contained in this section may be acted on in a manner that jeopardizes or negatively impacts the national security or defense readiness of the United States. 25. Report on adoption of technology at United States ports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report describing the adoption of technology at United States ports, as compared to that adoption at foreign ports, including— (1) the technological capabilities of United States ports, as compared to foreign ports; (2) an assessment of whether the adoption of technology at United States ports could lower the costs of cargo handling; (3) an assessment of regulatory and other barriers to the adoption of technology at United States ports; and (4) an assessment of technology and the workforce. 26. Authorization of appropriations Section 46108 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking $29,086,888 for fiscal year 2020 and $29,639,538 for fiscal year 2021 $32,869,000 for fiscal year 2022, $38,260,000 for fiscal year 2023, $43,720,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $49,200,000 for fiscal year 2025 March 24, 2022 Reported with an amendment

Summary: Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 This act revises requirements governing ocean shipping to increase the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to promote the growth and development of U.S. exports through an ocean transportation system that is competitive, efficient, and economical. For example, the bill requires the FMC to (1) investigate complaints about detention and demurrage charges (i.e., late fees) charged by common ocean carriers, (2) determine whether those charges are reasonable, and (3) order refunds for unreasonable charges. It also prohibits common ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, or ocean transportation intermediaries from unreasonably refusing cargo space when available or resorting to other unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods.