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Maersk Settles $1.9M FMC Penalty Over Detention Billing Practices

Maersk has agreed to pay $1.9 million to the Federal Maritime Commission to resolve allegations of improper detention billing. The carrier had assessed detention charges against third parties who had not consented to its contractual terms.

These parties lacked agreement to Maersk's bills of lading, service contracts, or tariffs, the FMC said. Maersk neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing under the settlement terms.

The agreement requires Maersk to discontinue the practice and revise its U.S. tariff rules to restrict "merchant" designations to shippers, consignees, and beneficial cargo interests. The carrier must also issue refunds and waivers to affected third parties.

The settlement underscores carrier obligations to align tariff language, contractual obligations, and billing practices. Industry observers note the case highlights the importance of clarity regarding which parties can legally incur detention charges.