The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has launched a formal investigation into whether major ocean carriers are unfairly limiting the choices truckers and shippers have when selecting chassis providers for container movement at U.S. ports. 

What’s Related

The probe, announced Jan. 26, will examine whether carriers use service contracts, industry rules, or terminal agreements to steer freight haulers toward certain chassis companies, even though carriers haven’t owned chassis gear for more than a decade.

In a statement, the agency said any practice that “unjustly or unreasonably restricts truckers and shippers from dealing with chassis providers may violate section 41102(c) of the Shipping Act.”

Chassis are the wheeled frames that let trucks pick up and drop off containers. Critics say restrictions on choice can tighten competition, drive up costs, and slow down and make cargo moves messier.

Truckers, shippers, chassis leasing companies, and others in the freight world now have until March 27 to tell the FMC what they’ve seen at ports and terminals that might limit their ability to choose equipment.

Carriers sold their chassis fleets years ago, but some industry groups argue that “gray pool” systems and rules about which chassis can be used at certain ports have left carriers still calling many of the shots on equipment access. Critics say that it can cut truckers’ bargaining power and contribute to shortages and higher fees, problems that became very visible during pandemic supply chain disruptions.

The inquiry is not a trial or formal enforcement action. It’s a fact-finding effort aimed at determining whether current port practices are fair and comply with the shipping law designed to keep competition open and choices broad for motor carriers and shippers.