Wednesday, August 13
10 am - 3 pm
Marriott Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) was established as an independent regulatory agency by a Reorganization Plan effective August 12, 1961. Previously, the Federal Maritime Board was responsible for both the regulation of ocean commerce and the promotion of the United States Merchant Marine. Under the reorganization plan, the shipping laws of the U.S. were separated into two categories: regulatory and promotional. The newly created FMC was charged with the administration of the regulatory provisions of the shipping laws.

The FMC's mission is to develop and administer policies and regulations that foster a fair, efficient and secure maritime transportation system; to protect U.S. maritime commerce from unfair foreign trade practices and market-distorting activities; to facilitate compliance with U.S. shipping statutes through oversight and outreach; and to assist in resolving disputes.

Today, the FMC faces some new challenges. Normally a five-person commission, the agency has been operating with only three people since the resignation of the immediate past chairman in 2006 and the acting chair recently. President Bush has failed to appoint new people to those positions. 

The European Commission's decision to lift carriers' exemption from competition laws has prompted the FMC to study the effect of this move on the U.S. market. Recent scrutiny of the FMC by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has brought antitrust immunity to congressional attention.

Freight forwarders and shippers want less regulation. Shippers oppose giving carriers cover to discuss price and service terms. However, carriers contend immunity is desirable when it comes to efficiently allocating vessel capacity or scheduling.

Marine terminal operators want their antitrust immunity considered separately from carriers.

The CII Conference on Matters of the FMC will look at all of these issues and more.

The panel will include three former FMC chairpersons, carriers, shipper/forwarder representatives and marine terminal/port representatives. The format will allow for a frank, provocative and informative exchange of ideas – all useful to your company and you.

Created in 1960 as a non-profit group by important industry figures during the early years of the containerized shipping movement, CII is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to those interested in the intermodal container shipping industry.

View the reservation information or call
(800) 231-8244 for more information.