Mediation Week 2018

October 14-20 marks “ABA Mediation Week” and the Federal Maritime Commission is one of the many Executive Branch agencies that offers mediation services to parties seeking alternatives to legal proceedings to resolve commercial disputes.

The Commission’s mediation services are offered through its Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS). Through CADRS, trained mediators 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.

“Mediation can be a useful way to resolve a commercial dispute short of other legal options. There are benefits to mediation that include more rapid resolution to the issue at hand as well as lower court costs. The Commission’s CADRS team can discuss with any interested parties whether mediation is the appropriate option in their given circumstance,” said Acting Chairman Michael A. Khouri.

Examples of common disputes that can be addressed through mediation include: service contract interpretation, rates and surcharges, equipment issues, free time, demurrage and detention, and cruise passenger inquiries and complaints.

The Commission offers several alternative dispute resolution services in addition to mediation, all of which are available free of charge.