FMC Collects $500,000 in Penalty Payments

The Federal Maritime Commission completed compromise agreements with three non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCC) and a single compromise agreement entered jointly by four vessel operating carriers, recovering a total of $500,000 in civil penalties. The agreed penalties resulted from investigations conducted by the Commission’s Area Representatives in Seattle and California, and by Washington D.C. headquarters staff.  The parties settled and agreed to penalties, but did not admit to violations of the Shipping Act or Commission regulations.

The Respondents are:

The compromise agreement with Bayani Commercial, Inc., a licensed NVOCC located in Tukwila, WA, alleged that Respondent operated without a Qualifying Individual for a period in excess of one year.

The compromise agreement with International Global Logistics, Inc., located in San Leandro, CA, alleged that Respondent operated as an NVOCC without having obtained a license, a surety bond and without publishing a tariff.

The compromise agreement with American Freight Logistics, Inc., a licensed OTI based in City of Industry, CA, alleged that Respondent obtained transportation for property at less than applicable rates by improperly utilizing rates limited to certain named accounts in its service contracts with MSC.

A compromise agreement was entered into jointly with: PDL International Pte Ltd.; Sofrana Unilines (NZ) Ltd. and ANL Singapore Pte Ltd dba Sofrana ANL Pte Ltd.; Pacific Forum Line (Group) Limited and Pacific Forum Line (NZ) Limited; and Neptune Pacific Line, Inc.  The compromise agreement alleged that the Respondents operated under an agreement in the American Samoa trades, which agreement had not been filed with the Commission or become effective under the Shipping Act; provided service in the trades that was not in accordance with the rates, charges, or rules contained in published tariffs or service contracts; and knowingly disclosed and shared information concerning the nature, consignee, or routing of property tendered or delivered to a common carrier without consent of the shipper or consignee.