[20210611]IF11852_航运、港口和联邦海事委员会.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov June 11, 2021Shipping, Ports, and the Federal Maritime CommissionSince summer 2020, U.S. overseas containerized trade has risen to record levels as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led households to spend less on services such as vacation trips and restaurant meals and more on imported goods. The demand surge has resulted in transport delays, higher freight rates, and increased tension between shippers and ocean carriers over ancillary fees and the availability of containers. These controversies have drawn attention to the role of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), a federal agency with jurisdiction over ports and ocean shipping. Background The FMCs mission, essentially, is to protect U.S. shippersthe owners of cargo being transportedfrom unfair practices of ocean carriers, freight consolidators, and port terminal operators. It was created by Congress in 1961. The five FMC commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for five-year terms, with no more than three from the same political party. The President designates one of the commissioners to serve as chair. The FMC has a staff of about 130, comprising