Auto Care Association Calls On FMC To Address Unfair Port Fees During Disruptions

Auto Care Association Calls On FMC To Address Unfair Port Fees During Disruptions

The letter requests the Federal Maritime Commission to ensure that demurrage and detention practices are fair and responsible when moving cargo through the nation’s ports.

The Auto Care Association submitted comments yesterday urging the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to begin a formal rulemaking concerning a petition from the Coalition for Fair Port Practices. The letter requests the FMC to ensure that demurrage and detention practices are fair and responsible when moving cargo through the nation’s ports.

“Auto Care Association members were greatly affected by recent repeated incidents of disruption in operations and severe congestion at U.S. ports,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Many firms with tightly integrated global supply chains were interrupted as a result of port delays. We are requesting in the petition that demurrage and detention practices be just and reasonable.”

The comments to the FMC pointed out that regardless of the reasons behind port delays, demurrage and detention penalties are imposed even though circumstances arise beyond a company’s control. These additional costs associated with port delays ultimately lead to higher costs downstream to the consumer.

The Auto Care Association and a coalition representing retailers, manufacturers, truckers, transportation intermediaries and other business groups filed the petition in December 2016, asking the FMC to set new policy preventing terminal operators and ocean carriers from charging unfair fees when uncontrollable incidents such as storms and strikes keep cargo from being picked up from ports on time.        

Members interested in supporting this petition can submit comments to the FMC per instructions on the Federal Register Notice. For more information, contact Angela Chiang at [email protected].

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Launches REPAIR Act Video

The goal is to emphasize the need for federal REPAIR Act legislation, according to the Auto Care Association.

Right to repair 2

The Auto Care Association launched a new Right to Repair video campaign, featuring independent repair shop owners from across the United States share their stories and shed light on the increased challenges independent repair shops are facing with accessing repair data to service their customers’ vehicles. 

The video campaign emphasizes the need for the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (“REPAIR” Act), which ensures vehicle owners and repair shops have access to tools and data needed to keep cars and trucks on the road safer, longer.

MEMA Q1 Webinar to Feature Wedbush Analyst Seth Basham

The webinar is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on March 13.

Seth Basham MEMA
New Sponsorship Opportunities for Auto Care Connect

Auto Care Connect, taking place May 5-8 in downtown Chicago, annually brings together professionals from across the auto care sector.

Auto Care Connect
National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of more than 48,000 SKUs.

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts
Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

Auto Care Great Place to Work

Other Posts

2024 Auto Care Connect Conference Keynote Speakers Announced

This year’s guest speakers will be Armida Ascano, Dr. Peter Fader and Lt. Col. Dan Rooney.

Auto Care Connect
Auto Care Voices Support for FTC, DOJ Comments on Right to Repair

The agencies asserted that renewing and expanding repair-related exemptions would promote competition in markets for replacement parts, repair and maintenance services.

bill hanvey right to repair
Maryland Teamsters Call for Passage of HB 1447

The legislation would protect middle-class jobs and motorist safety, according to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Maryland Teamsters Call for Passage of HB 1447
NTEA Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair

Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.

NTEA Board Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair