Federal Maritime Commission Proposes New Rules for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries

On October 10, 2014, the Federal Maritime Commission issued a notice proposing to amend the rules governing the licensing, financial responsibility requirements, and other duties of Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs) including non-vessel owning common carriers and ocean freight forwarders pursuant to the Shipping Act of 1984. The proposal drops many of the changes featured in the May 21, 2013, advanced notice of proposed rulemaking including financial responsibility increases, new advertising requirements, new licensure qualifications, and new grounds for revocation or suspension of licenses. However, the proposal would carry forward significant changes including requirements for renewal of licenses, carrier verification of OTI licenses, and a new expedited license hearing procedures, among others. Comments from the public are due December 12, 2014.