[251011.EN.LOG] FMC Fines NVOCCs US$477,500 For Contravening Law To Get Lower Rates

THE US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has received US$477,500 in fines from 10 Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) for non-compliance of the Shipping Act.

The NVOCCs are required to file its "available to anyone" or "open" rates as public record in the form of a "tariff" for any cargo moved by a carrier of the US via water.

On investigations the carriers' were found to undercharge on tariffs, cargo misdescription, inflating the cubic measurements of certain cargo to obtain discounted rates from ocean carriers and unlawful access to service contract rates, reported Newark's Journal of Commerce, adding that the fines are not considered an acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

The fines paid were broken down in payment by AE Eagle America, Jamaica, New York ($87,500); Ba-Shi Yuexin Development dba Bus Logistics, Alhambra, California, ($85,000); Ocean Marine Shipping, Cummings, Georgia., ($70,000); SES. International Express, Inglewood, California, ($62,500); MB Logistics International, Jamaica, New York ($50,000); Sinotrans Logistics, Alhambra, California ($50,000); Cargo Alliance, Monterrey Park, California ($40,000); and Orion Cargo Services, Newark ($32,500).

Source : HKSG, 24.10.11.