FMC Forum to Address US Port Congestion

U.S. Port Congestion: Examining Causes, Impact on Stakeholders and Exploring Possible Solutions

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Mario Cordero will hold a forum titled, "U.S. Port Congestion: Examining Causes, Impact on Stakeholders and Exploring Possible Solutions" Monday, September 15, 2014, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Port of Los Angeles.

According to the FMC, the forum’s goal is to promote dialogue on the causes and implications of congestion at U.S. ports. Topics covered will include factors causing port congestion, truck turn times, impact on stakeholders, use of technology to reduce congestion and related fees and PierPass. In addition to the suggested topics, participants may also raise other topics related to port congestion.

The FMC encourages industry stakeholders, regulators, the general public and all other interested parties, including truckers – licensed motor carriers, terminal operators, steamship lines, ocean transportation intermediaries, equipment lessors, cargo owners, longshoremen and port authorities, to attend.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Participants may register by contacting the Commission’s Office of the Secretary at [email protected] or (202) 523-5725.

The FMC is accepting the submission of written comments in advance of the public forum, which can be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line: "September 15 Public Forum". The FMC will provide confidential treatment to the extent allowed by law for submissions, or parts of submissions, for which the filer requests confidentiality.

Following the forum, Chairman Cordero will report back to the full Commission on the issues raised. Commissioner William P. Doyle will then host a Mid-Atlantic and Northeast public forum on U.S. Port Congestion, tentatively scheduled for October 1, 2014 at the World Trade Center, Baltimore Inner Harbor.