Maersk has agreed to pay a $1.9 million civil penalty to the Federal Maritime Commission over detention charges billed to third parties that had not agreed to Maersk’s bills of lading, service contracts, or tariffs.
The FMC said the settlement resolved allegations that Maersk assessed detention charges against third parties who had not consented to be bound by its contract terms. Maersk (OTC: AMKBY)did not admit to any violation.
Under the settlement, Maersk agreed to stop the practice, amend its U.S. tariff rules so “merchant” is limited to shippers, consignees, and beneficial cargo interests, and provide refunds and waivers to impacted third parties. The FMC also said the penalty payment goes to the U.S. General Fund, not to the FMC itself.
For shippers and cargo interests, the key issue is who can legally be billed for detention charges. This settlement suggests carriers need tighter billing practices and clearer alignment between tariffs, contracts, and the parties actually bound by them.
Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face – fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps – navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Awards
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music – 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
FreightTech
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga – plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Compliance
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face – fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps – navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards
F3 Awards Dinner
Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music – 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga – plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now