Ocean shipping companies must now publish their export policies every year

Ocean shipping companies must now file their export policies with the Federal Maritime Commission every year. This means exporters will have a clearer picture of how carriers handle cargo space, making it easier to challenge unfair practices.

For years, exporters have complained that ocean carriers unfairly refuse to deal or negotiate for cargo space, especially for US agricultural exports. This rule gives exporters a new tool: a public record of how carriers say they will operate. If a carrier's actions do not match its stated policy, exporters have a stronger case to make a complaint.