Shipping Investigation of Complaints (33.001)
Program
33.001 Shipping Investigation of Complaints
Federal Agency
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION
Authorization
Shipping Act of 1984, as amended, 46 U.S.C. app. 1710.
Program Number
33.001
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide a forum for settling disputes between carriers and shippers on an informal basis, if possible, or by institution of formal proceedings, if warranted.
Types of Assistance
Investigation of Complaints.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Commission considers informal complaints and assists voluntary settlements and formal allegations regarding unlawful rates or practices and may award reparations for an injury resulting from a violation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Any person may file a complaint setting forth any violation of the Shipping Act of 1984 by ocean common carrier or other person subject to the Act.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Anyone/General public.
Credentials/Documentation
An informal complaint alleging specific violations of the Act should be supported by facts sustaining such allegations.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
An informal complaint may be filed with the Commission in the form of a letter addressed to Joseph T. Farrell, Director, Office of Consumer Complaints, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC 20573. A formal complaint may be filed with the Commission in accordance with Section 11 of the Shipping Act of 1984.
Award Procedure
None.
Deadlines
There is a 3 year statute of limitations for complaints filed under the Shipping Act of 1984.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2001, the Commission responded to 2,916 informal inquiries and complaints. The Commission expects to receive 2,635 informal inquiries and complaints by the end of fiscal year 2002, and 2,712 during fiscal year 2003.
Financial Information
Account Identification
65-0100-0-1-403.
Obligations
(Salaries and Expenses) FY 02 $365,000; FY 03 est $360,000; and FY 04 est $447,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
None.
Related Programs
20.900, Transportation_Consumer Affairs; 36.001, Fair Competition Counseling and Investigation of Complaints.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Area Representatives: Miami: Andrew Margolis, Miami Area Representative, Customs Management Center, 909 SE. 1st Avenue, Room 705, Miami, FL 33131. Telephone: (305) 536-4316. Use the same number for FTS. Fax: (305) 536-4317. Internet E-mail: ANDREWM@FMC.GOV Seattle: Michael A. Moneck, Seattle Area Representative, c/o U.S. Customs Service, #7 South Nevada Street, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98134. Telephone: (206) 553-0221. Use the same number for FTS. Fax: (206) 553-0222. Internet E-mail: MICHAELM@FMC.GOV. New Orleans: Alvin N. Kellogg, New Orleans Area Representative, U.S. Customs House, 423 Canal Street, Room 309B, New Orleans, LA 70130. Telephone: (504) 589- 6662. Use the same number for FTS. Fax: (504) 589-6663. Internet E- mail: ALVINK@FMC.GOV. Los Angeles: Oliver E. Clark, Los Angeles Area Representative, U.S. Customs House Building, P.O. Box 3164, 300 S. Ferry Street, Room 1018, Terminal Island Station, San Pedro, CA 90731. Telephone: (310) 514-4905. FTS is not available. Fax: (310) 514-3931. Internet E-mail: OLIVERC@FMC.GOV.
Headquarters Office
Joseph T. Farrell, Director, Office of Consumer Complaints, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC 20573. Telephone: (202) 523-5807. Fax: (202) 523-0014. Internet E-mail: JOSEPHF@FMC.GOV. New York: Emanuel J. Mingione, New York Area Representative, P.O. Box 3461 Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008. Telephone: (212) 637-2929. Fax: (212) 637-2930. E-Mail: emanuelm@FMC.Gov.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
