FMC invites comments related to FedEx Trade Networks petition

FMC invites comments related to FedEx Trade Networks petition       The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission said it would begin taking comments from the ocean shipping industry regarding a petition filed by FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage requesting exemption from the tariff publishing rules and the ability to enter confidential service contracts with its customers.
   FedEx Trade Networks joins a handful of other large non-vessel-operating common carriers, including UPS, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, DHL-Danzas Air and Ocean, Ocean World Line, BDP International and BAX Global, in petitioning the FMC to use its exemption powers under section 16 of the 1984 Shipping Act.
   Under the 1998 Ocean Shipping Reform Act, vessel-operating common carriers were granted authority to enter confidential service contracts with shippers, while NVOs were excluded from this privilege.
   The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America filed a petition last year specifically calling for the FMC to abolish tariff publishing, citing that the requirement provided no substantial commercial value to shippers.
   Comments related to the FedEx Trade Networks petition are due to the FMC by April 2.
   FMC Chairman Steven Blust told House lawmakers during a March 4 budget hearing that his agency has received “substantive requests for relief” from tariff publishing and requests for NVOs to enter confidential service contracts, and said his agency was “presently considering these issues.”