New FMC probe of ocean carriers restricting chassis for truckers, shippers

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has initiated an investigation into whether ocean carriers are unfairly limiting truckers and shippers' ability to select chassis providers, potentially violating the Shipping Act [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The FMC aims to determine if ocean common carriers are employing practices that prevent truckers and shippers from negotiating with chassis providers, which may violate section 41102(c) of the Shipping Act [2]. - The investigation revisits a significant issue in the intermodal supply chain, following a 2024 ruling that deemed it unreasonable for regulations to mandate the use of only designated chassis providers by ocean common carriers [3]. Group 2: Legal Implications - The FMC has stated that carriers cannot use contract language to bypass their obligations under the Shipping Act or to justify actions that interfere with chassis selection, even when cargo is transported under a service contract [4].