Yes, Ocean Freight Forwarders may earn forwarder commissions from ocean carriers. Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers and cargo owners may not earn forwarder commissions from ocean carriers. OFFs must certify that they have performed forwarding services prior to receiving commissions from VOCCs and NVOCCs. To learn more about DPI’s services for OFFs, click here. DPI Members may […]
Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs) must file Service Contracts with the Federal Maritime Commission via the SERVCON system. All Service Contracts must be filed no later than 30 days after they are signed by the VOCC and shipper. FMC regulations require that Service Contracts contain specific terms, shipment details, and rate information. There are also detailed […]
All tariffs published by DPI are available for public viewing in compliance with FMC regulations. For more information about DPI’s FMC Tariff Viewing services, click here.
NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs) are not filed in an FMC tariff, instead NVOCCs must issue NSAs directly to their shippers and obtain their written acceptance. FMC regulations require that NSAs contain specific terms, shipment, and rate information. There are also detailed formatting and timing requirements for NSAs and NSA acceptance. DPI’s expert staff offer assistance […]
Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) are not filed in an FMC tariff, instead NVOCCs must issue NRAs directly to their shippers and record their shippers’ acceptance. FMC regulations require that each NRA contains specific shipment, rate, and surcharge information. There are also detailed formatting and timing requirements for NRAs and NRA acceptance. DPI’s expert staff offer assistance […]
Yes. DPI Will prepare and file your FMC-1 form with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. We file this form for all DPI Members upon commencement of our tariff publication services. There is no extra charge for this service for your initial tariff rules. We will ensure your FMC-1 is accepted by FMC.
Yes. DPI will prepare your FMC-65 form, file it with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, and follow up to get it approved quickly. This is a key part of the service we provide to all DPI Members who are registered with the FMC as NVOCCs.
Yes. DPI will act as your agent for service of process if you are a DPI Member registered with the FMC as an NVOCC outside of the USA. There is no extra charge for this service.
Good question. We will list our name and office address in FMC records and in your tariff rules as your agent for service of process. This gives FMC and courts in the USA an address in the USA where they can deliver official legal documents for your company. This is required by FMC regulations for […]
If you require assistance in obtaining a bond, DPI is happy to recommend insurance agents and sureties qualified to handle FMC’s NVOCC bonding requirements. We will carefully review your bonds and advise if any correction will be required to satisfy FMC.
