FMC Should Finalize Maritime Transportation Data System, Group Says
The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) led a group of more than 20 shippers and trade associations in urging the Federal Maritime Commission Dec. 3 to implement the proposed Maritime Transportation Data System (MTDS) through a rulemaking.
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In a letter to the FMC’s five commissioners, the group said it’s concerned the commission has not moved to finalize the MTDS, with the last request for information having been published over six months ago.
The group said the MTDS would make container transportation more transparent and efficient by enabling the sharing of information on a vessel's real-time position and schedule. “This information would allow shippers to better prepare trucking, warehousing, and stocking needs in advance,” the letter says.
The MTDS would also provide information on container availability. “Having this information accessible will give shippers clarity on when their cargo can be picked up and dropped off, reducing detention and demurrage fees for shippers and drastically increasing port fluidity,” the letter says.
Another benefit is that the system would improve communication by defining over 100 terms, the signers said.
The signers represent small, medium and large businesses that use ocean shipping to export and import products. They work in a range of industry sectors, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food and beverage, and water treatment.
Commissioner Carl Bentzel unveiled the data-sharing proposal last year (see 2302150050), and he said in August that he was open to discussing whether it should be voluntary or mandatory (see 2302150050). The FMC had no immediate comment on the ACD-led letter.