Chairman’s Statement on Mediation Week

Disputes within the international ocean shipping logistics chain can disrupt the timely flow of cargo and strain vital commercial relationships. Mediation is an important tool that can assist parties in resolving their ocean shipping disputes in real time while allowing them to formulate and implement their own innovative solutions to international shipping challenges. It also can help parties maintain or improve their commercial relationships.

As a tribute to its success, in 2011, the mediation community designated the third week in October as Mediation Week. This year, Mediation Week is observed October 12-18, 2015. As part of this year’s observance, agencies will highlight the use of mediation across the federal government.

In recognition of Mediation Week, Chairman Cordero said “I am proud of the daily efforts made by the Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services to help parties achieve meaningful resolution to ocean shipping disputes. I encourage parties to take advantage of the agency’s confidential mediation and ombuds services and to explore the new CADRS Negotiation Tool kit available on the Commission’s website.”

CADRS’s trained mediators and ombuds regularly assist shippers, ocean transportation intermediaries, common carriers, marine terminal operators, truckers, customs brokers, and cruise passengers resolve various types of commercial and consumer disputes. Examples of common disputes include: service contract interpretation, rates and surcharges, equipment issues, free time, demurrage and detention, and cruise passenger inquiries and complaints. CADRS services are provided free of charge.

To obtain mediation or ombuds services, please contact CADRS:
Phone: at 866-448-9586 (toll free) or via
Email: at complaints@fmc.gov.

For information regarding other federal agency mediation programs please visit www.adr.gov.