Commission Briefed on PierPASS and NY/NJ Port Initiatives

Contact: Karen V. Gregory, Secretary (202-523-5725)

FMC staff briefed the Commission today on its continuing review of the competitive impact of PierPASS operations under the West Coast Marine Terminal Operators’ Agreement, FMC No. 201143 (WCMTOA). Commission staff recently visited the LA/Long Beach Ports to hear directly from PierPASS officials, several WCMTOA members, beneficial cargo owners, licensed motor carriers, ILWU representatives and port officials. Chairman Mario Cordero stated: “The FMC’s monitoring of PierPASS is part of its statutory mandate to monitor agreements for fairness in competition. It is also the direct result of complaints from stakeholders about PierPASS operations, costs, and quality of services.”

Port of New York and New Jersey officials visited the Commission to discuss infrastructure and supply chain initiatives at the Port. Ms. Molly Campbell, Director of Port Commerce, and Ms. Bethann Rooney, Assistant Director for Port Performance Initiatives, presented their new Terminal Information Portal System (TIPS), an online portal designed to provide transparency at the terminals, and announced a pilot appointment system at the Bayonne terminal expected in 2016. TIPS is supported and maintained by a consortium of terminal operators and the Port, operating under a discussion agreement on file with the Commission, the Port of NY/NJ Sustainable Services Agreement, FMC No. 201175. The Commissioners applauded the port community’s collaborative efforts and focus on transparency. The Chairman remarked: “Other ports can learn much from the programs implemented at the port of New York and New Jersey.”

Also at today’s meeting, staff from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) presented on the Commission’s rules concerning arbitration. Arbitration is offered as one of several alternative dispute resolution processes available through CADRS.

In addition, Commissioner Doyle briefed his fellow Commissioners on his recent participation at the annual U.S – China Bilateral Discussion in Suzhou, China. Commissioner Lidinsky provided a briefing on his participation at the 2015 World Shipping Summit in Guangzhou, China.

The Federal Maritime Commission is the federal agency responsible for regulating the nation’s international ocean transportation for the benefit of exporters, importers, and the American consumer. The FMC’s mission is to foster a fair, efficient, and reliable international ocean transportation system while protecting the public from unfair and deceptive practices.