FMC investigates American Line Shipping Company's "unreasonable monopoly" behavior!An
- Author:weiyun.com
- Source:weiyun.com
- Release Date:2026-01-30
On January 26, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a major announcement announcing a special investigation of all U.S. line container liner companies.
Specific verification:
1. Whether the shipping company’s practices in using chassis are fair and reasonable;
2. Whether it violates Article 41102 (c) of the Shipping Act and directly or indirectly restricts the rights of cargo owners and trucking companies to independently select frame suppliers through association rules, service contracts, etc.
This investigation stems from the fact that the FMC's ban on "disguised bundling" rules for frames in 2024 has not been fully implemented, and some carriers still implement restrictions in disguise.
Shippers and trucking companies have long complained that equipment management organizations associated with shipping companies have dominated frame resources, resulting in limited market choices, high prices and insufficient industry competition.
The lack of independent choice not only directly drives up the cost of trailers, but also causes chain problems such as extended port storage time, increased driver operating costs, and reduced fleet efficiency.
In addition to investigation, FMC also simultaneously opened an anonymous reporting channel. The public can provide feedback clues directly through the Secretary@fmc.gov email address. The deadline for submission of opinions is March 27, 2026.
Specific submission instructions can be found in the official announcement "Investigation Into Ocean Common Carriers’ Practices and Restrictions on Chassis Usage" published in the Federal Register.
This is also a continuation of the FMC’s increased supervision in recent years. It has previously issued multiple high fines to shipping companies, including more than 22 million US dollars and 1.35 million US dollars. The regulatory focus has extended from basic freight rates to key links in the supply chain.
The industry expects that if violations are confirmed, more enforcement actions and new compliance requirements may be triggered.
For cargo owners, freight forwarders and trucking companies, this investigation is undoubtedly an important opportunity to protect their rights and interests.
Relevant entities can actively provide clues through anonymous reporting channels according to their own needs to promote the optimization of the industry's competitive environment.
Specific verification:
1. Whether the shipping company’s practices in using chassis are fair and reasonable;
2. Whether it violates Article 41102 (c) of the Shipping Act and directly or indirectly restricts the rights of cargo owners and trucking companies to independently select frame suppliers through association rules, service contracts, etc.
This investigation stems from the fact that the FMC's ban on "disguised bundling" rules for frames in 2024 has not been fully implemented, and some carriers still implement restrictions in disguise.
Shippers and trucking companies have long complained that equipment management organizations associated with shipping companies have dominated frame resources, resulting in limited market choices, high prices and insufficient industry competition.
The lack of independent choice not only directly drives up the cost of trailers, but also causes chain problems such as extended port storage time, increased driver operating costs, and reduced fleet efficiency.
In addition to investigation, FMC also simultaneously opened an anonymous reporting channel. The public can provide feedback clues directly through the Secretary@fmc.gov email address. The deadline for submission of opinions is March 27, 2026.
Specific submission instructions can be found in the official announcement "Investigation Into Ocean Common Carriers’ Practices and Restrictions on Chassis Usage" published in the Federal Register.
This is also a continuation of the FMC’s increased supervision in recent years. It has previously issued multiple high fines to shipping companies, including more than 22 million US dollars and 1.35 million US dollars. The regulatory focus has extended from basic freight rates to key links in the supply chain.
The industry expects that if violations are confirmed, more enforcement actions and new compliance requirements may be triggered.
For cargo owners, freight forwarders and trucking companies, this investigation is undoubtedly an important opportunity to protect their rights and interests.
Relevant entities can actively provide clues through anonymous reporting channels according to their own needs to promote the optimization of the industry's competitive environment.