Maritime Industry Briefing: FMC Returns to Full Strength as Transport Prices Hit Record Highs

## Maritime Industry Briefing ### FMC Restored to Full Commission Strength The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has returned to its full five-member complement following the swearing-in of a new commissioner, according to FreightWaves. The newly seated official is the latest in a line of Florida natives to join the regulator, which oversees ocean shipping competition and practices affecting U.S. importers and exporters. The restoration of a full commission is significant for the maritime industry, as a complete bench enables the FMC to more efficiently adjudicate disputes, advance rulemaking, and respond to market conduct concerns — functions that have grown in prominence following years of elevated freight rates and shipper complaints about ocean carrier practices. A full commission also ensures that contested decisions carry the full weight of the agency's authority, reducing the risk of deadlocked votes on consequential regulatory matters. ### Transportation Pricing Surges to Record Growth Rate in May Transportation prices recorded their highest growth rate in May, according to a monthly survey of supply chain executives cited by FreightWaves. The spike was driven in part by declining available capacity across freight modes, a dynamic that has implications for shippers moving cargo through U.S. ports and inland distribution networks. For maritime stakeholders, rising overland transportation costs compound the challenge of managing total landed costs, particularly as drayage and intermodal connectivity remain critical links between port terminals and distribution centers. Continued capacity tightening could place additional pressure on supply chains already navigating port congestion and vessel scheduling volatility. ### Ohio Targets 5,000 Nonresident CDLs in Federal Compliance Push In a development with downstream implications for port and freight operations, the state of Ohio has announced plans to review approximately 5,000 non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) as part of a broader federal compliance crackdown, FreightWaves reports. The initiative targets foreign commercial drivers holding CDLs issued outside their state of primary domicile — a practice that has drawn increased federal scrutiny. The review adds Ohio to a growing list of states participating in the nationwide effort, which could affect the availability of qualified commercial drivers serving port facilities, distribution hubs, and intermodal yards. Any reduction in the licensed driver pool would further strain an industry already contending with a persistent driver shortage, potentially exacerbating the capacity constraints reflected in May's pricing data. --- *Sources: FreightWaves. This briefing covers regulatory, freight market, and compliance developments relevant to maritime and supply chain professionals.*