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. Place Cursor Here for Definition
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.
Pre-application
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: Not applicable.
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.
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION:
Account
Identification: 65-0100-0-1-403.
Obligations:
(Salaries and Expenses) FY 01 $365,000; FY 02 est $360,000; and
FY 03 est $447,000.
Range
and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable.
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.
REGULATIONS,
GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
None.
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.
