FMC seeks comment on container data accuracy

The US Federal Maritime Commission seeks public comment on questions related to maritime data accuracy to continue the process of gathering information to inform possible future Commission activities with a focus on information related to containers moving through marine terminals.

In particular, the Commission seeks responses on what data elements are communicated between transportation service providers and importers/exporters.

The Commission also seeks information on how changes to the information are conveyed and where communication is most likely to break down or information is most likely to be conveyed inaccurately.

Maritime Transportation Data Initiative

The Federal Maritime Commission aims to enhance a previous information inquiry issued last year alongside a report issued in May 2023 regarding the Commission’s Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI).

MTDI, led by Commissioner Carl Bentzel, examined the issue of data usage and sharing within the supply chain served by international ocean carriers. Commissioner Bentzel released a report in May 2023 summarizing the information he gathered and his initial findings.

The Commission now seeks additional information to expand the information gathered from the MTDI and the Commission’s August 23, 2023, Request for Information (88 FR 55697) related to data availability, accuracy, and exchange. This Request places particular emphasis on data accuracy.

A common theme revealed by the MTDI was that information on container pick up/return was difficult to gather accurately or predict. MTDI participants cited challenges such as determining who should provide the information, information changing frequently, and changes not being conveyed to shipping entities.

These points have been reiterated to the Commission via numerous avenues, including by the National Shipper Advisory Committee. The Commission created the prior Request for Information to understand some of the data challenges that entities throughout the supply chain face. 

The purpose of this Request for Information is to continue the process of gathering information to inform possible future Commission activities with a focus on information related to containers moving through marine terminals.

The purpose of these questions is to seek information about data accuracy, not information about specific customers/partners and commenters should not name specific customers/partners when responding.

The Commission has segmented the questions into categories specific to certain stakeholders, but it is also interested in hearing from the public, who may respond to all of the questions.

Comments must be submitted on or before 11:59 p.m. EST on June 17, 2024.