OTI’s – July 31 is Deadline to Voice Opinion on FMC’s Proposed Changes
Now’s the time to apply to become a non vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) and/or ocean freight forwarder (OFF). FMC has proposed major changes to its regulations and application requirements for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs). Get your application in now to avoid those changes, and/or, learn the changes and spend the time to comment on them while you can. Detailed summaries of those changes are below. July 31, 2013 is the cutoff to have your voice heard!
FMC issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) that would significantly amend the regulations governing the licensing, bonding and duties of NVOCCs and ocean freight forwarders. The ANPRM is 117 pages long!! You can review the ANPRM in FMC’s Docket No. 13-05, Amendments to Regulations Governing Ocean Transportation Intermediary Licensing and Financial Responsibility Requirements, and General Duties.
The major changes are:
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Changes – Included in the proposed changes are changes to many definitions – this one impacts what it will take to become a QI. The standards will be tougher. For one, the QI’s 3 years of relevant experience will only qualify if one has worked for a licensed, bonded, registered OTI. Experience obtained while the individual was employed by a licensed domestic OTI, a vessel operator, or a registered foreign-based NVOCC would be […]