FMC Assistance Center other than dispute resolution

FMC Assistance Center
Landing Page

Welcome to the FMC Assistance Center. Members of the public may use this portal to submit complaints
or other information to the FMC, as well as to request dispute resolution or informational assistance.
From the list below, select the type of information you would like to submit or assistance needed. Once
you have made your selection, please complete and submit the online form provided.

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Submit a Complaint
Report Non-Compliance, a Shipping Act Violation, or Suggest an Investigation
Request Dispute Resolution Services or Mediation
Other Questions or Concerns

Note that this form cannot be used for the following actions. Please use the links provided to file these
types of documents or requests:

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Filing a formal or small claim Shipping Act complaint,
Filing a Charge Complaint
Filing a Freedom of Information Act request, or
Filing comments in FMC rulemakings at Regulations.gov.

Individual Form Pages
[Below is the suggested layout and language for each of 4 individual form pages]

Submit a Complaint
A) Intro language
a. Please fill out the following information to assist the Federal Maritime Commission in
processing your complaint.
b. Note:
i. To report a suspected violation of the Shipping Act or FMC Regulations please
use Report Non-Compliance, a Shipping Act Violation, or Suggest an
Investigation.
ii. For assistance with a Cargo or Cruise dispute please use Request Dispute
Resolution Services
iii. Request assistance with a Cruise refund for a canceled sailing please use Other
Questions or Concerns
B) Your Information (Required for a Response)
If you leave this blank the Commission cannot respond or update you on the information
submitted.
a. Name,
b. Email Address,
c. Phone Number
C) Form Fields
a. Description of Complaint
b. Upload all supporting documents and forms
i. List of accepted file formats
D) Other Links
a. File comments on rulemakings
b. File a Shipping Act Complaint
c. Find and Pay Fees
d. File a Charge Complaints

Report Non-Compliance, a Shipping Act Violation or Suggest an Investigation
A) Intro language
a. Please fill out the following information to assist in processing your request.
Note: Suggesting an Investigation does not open an investigation. Many factors
influence whether an investigation is opened.
B) Your Information
If you leave this blank the Commission cannot respond or update you on the information
submitted.
a. Name,
b. Email Address (Required for a Response),
c. Phone Number
C) Form Fields
a. Is this a report of non-compliance regarding Service Contracts or Tariffs? (Yes/No)
b. Name of Company or Individual
c. Location of the Activity or Port
d. Date of Activity
e. Company License or Organization Number
f. Details of Alleged Activity
g. Upload all supporting documents
i. List of accepted file formats
D) Other Links
a. This section blank

Request Dispute Resolution Services or Mediation
A) Intro language
a. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) is an impartial
resource that assists the maritime industry and the shipping public resolve ocean
shipping problems through an informal and voluntary process (i.e., ombuds services).
B) Your Information (Required for a Response)
If you leave this blank the Commission cannot respond or update you on the information
submitted.
a. Name,
b. Email Address,
c. Phone Number
C) Form Fields
a. Name of Company or Individual
b. Case or Docket Number for Mediation or a Preliminary Conference
c. Description of the issue:
d. Upload all supporting documents and including the relevant form.
i. For Cargo Disputes (FMC-33)
ii. For Cruise Dispute (FMC-32)
iii. List of accepted file formats
D) Other Links
a. This section blank

Other Questions or Concerns?
A) Intro language
a. Do you have a general question for the Federal Maritime Commission? Please fill out the
following information and provide as many details and/or supporting information as
possible.
B) Your Information (Required for a Response)
If you leave this blank the Commission cannot respond or update you on the information
submitted.
a. Name,
b. Email Address,
c. Phone Number
C) Form Fields
a. Is this related to:
i. An FMC System or Database? (yes/no)
1. If Yes: Which System or Database? (Dropdown of systems)
ii. A docketed matter or procedural question? (yes/no)
1. If Yes: Please provide the Docket Number, if known?
iii. A regulatory compliance issue? (yes/no)
iv. Request assistance with a Cruise refund for a canceled sailing (yes/no)
v. A matter not listed above (yes/no)
b. Description of your question. Please provide enough background to assist in processing
your question swiftly. (Required)
c. Upload any supporting documents
i. List of accepted file formats
D) Other Links
a. Docket Library
b. File comments on rulemakings
c. FOIA Requests