FMC Staff Participate in Federal Agency Trade Fair

On April 29, 2014, Federal Maritime Commission staff from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) and the Bureau of Certification and Licensing (BCL) met with freight forwarders and U.S. exporters at the Annual Federal Agency Trade Fair hosted by the Port of Baltimore. This was a valuable opportunity for the Commission to reach out to local freight forwarders and U.S. exporters facilitating transportation or shipping goods in the U.S. international oceanborne trades.

CADRS staff members Zoraya De La Cruz and Nancy Shoupe at Federal Agency Trade Fair, Port of Baltimore

Commission staff provided educational materials about the FMC’s mission and functions, including its free alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services available to assist users and providers of ocean transportation services to resolve problems related to ocean transportation activities through collaboration and settlement. BCL staff answered questions about the Commission’s Ocean Transportation Intermediary licensing program, and provided guidance on how to comply with the Commission’s regulatory requirements including how to apply for an FMC license. This also was a great opportunity for Commission staff to meet and educate colleagues from other federal agencies about the Commission’s mission and services.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection organized the event, which was held in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard’s Industry Day. Other federal agencies in attendance were the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.