FMC Collects USD 338,000 in Civil Penalties

China International Freight Co. The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has completed compromise agreements recovering a total of USD 338,000 in civil penalties from one vessel-operating common carrier and six ocean transportation intermediaries.  The companies at issue are Posey International, King Ocean, CL USA, Carlo Shipping International, Sino Connections, Baron Worldwide and China International. The agreed-to penalties resulted from investigations conducted by the Commissions Area Representatives in Houston, Seattle, South Florida, and New York, and by Washington D.C. headquarters staff. According to FMC, the companies settled and agreed to penalties, but did not admit to violations of the Shipping Act or Commission regulations. These agreements and penalties reflect the continuous efforts of the Commission’s Area Representatives and Bureau of Enforcement to level the regulatory playing field for all segments of the maritime industry, guard against unfair trade practices, and ensure that the shipping public is served by qualified ocean transportation intermediaries, Mario Cordero, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman said.