The Federal Maritime Commission recently denied nearly every carrier request to fast-track emergency war surcharges within their tariffs—a dramatic shift from just two years ago. This marks a turning point in maritime regulation with significant implications for shippers.

In a detailed analysis published in Law360, our transportation and supply chain team breaks down:

• How the FMC’s new commissioner-level review process for fast-tracking tariff publication changed the whole process
• Why record-breaking million dollar plus enforcement actions signal stricter oversight
• What unreasonable “refusal to deal” implications mean for carriers conditioning service on unpublished charges
• Practical steps shippers should take to scrutinize every surcharge and fee

Read the full article: “What FMC’s Rejection Of War Surcharges Means For Shipping” published in Law360 (April 16, 2026)

Bottom line: The FMC has made clear that tariff compliance is non-negotiable, and shippers now have a stronger regulatory framework to challenge unlawful charges. If you’re paying ocean freight surcharges, this analysis is essential reading.