The Federal Maritime Commission’s May 13, 2026, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would significantly revise and modernize its rulemaking procedures by simplifying existing requirements, aligning with current eRulemaking practices, and expanding opportunities for public participation—particularly by making it easier for stakeholders to petition for new or revised regulations.

The proposal signals a shift toward earlier and more active industry engagement in shaping FMC policy, emphasizing that shippers, intermediaries, and carriers can play a more direct role in initiating and influencing regulatory change through comments and petitions, while reinforcing that strategic advocacy will remain a key driver of outcomes at the agency.

Read the legal update here.