Federal Maritime Commission must deal with labor-related “Difficulties”

In a recent letter to Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Mario Cordero, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) asked the FMC to consider procedures addressing port disruptions resulting from unusual occurrences such as major force majeure events or labor-related difficulties.

Early last year the NCBFAA requested that Chairman Cordero’s predecessor, Richard Lidinsky, likewise consider procedures to mitigate challenges during maritime labor unrest and severe weather conditions.

Motivated by the possibility of a strike at west coast ports commencing in the near future, the NCBFAA determined to once again petition the FMC for action on this issue. John Martin, principal of port consultant Martin Associates, told Supply Chain Management Review that broker’s concern are understandable.

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