(a) Form and amount. Except as otherwise provided in this part, no person may advertise, hold oneself out, or act as an ocean transportation intermediary unless that person furnishes a bond, proof of insurance, or other surety in a form and amount determined by the Commission to insure financial responsibility. The bond, insurance, or other surety covers the transportation-related activities of an ocean transportation intermediary.

(1) Any person in the United States advertising, holding oneself out, or acting as an ocean freight forwarder as defined in § 515.2(m)(1) shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $50,000.

(2) Any person in the United States advertising, holding oneself out, or acting as an NVOCC as defined in § 515.2(m)(2) shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $75,000.

(3) Any registered NVOCC, as defined in § 515.2(r), shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $150,000. Such registered NVOCC shall be strictly responsible for the acts and omissions of its employees and agents, wherever they are located.

(b) Group financial responsibility. When a group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries accepts liability for an ocean transportation intermediary's financial responsibility for such ocean transportation intermediary's transportation-related activities under the Act, the group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall file a group bond form, insurance form or guaranty form, clearly identifying each ocean transportation intermediary covered, before a covered ocean transportation intermediary may provide ocean transportation intermediary services. In such cases, a group or association must establish financial responsibility in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount required by paragraph (a) of this section for each member, or $3,000,000 in aggregate. A group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries may also file an optional bond rider as provided in § 515.25(b).

(c) Common trade name. Where more than one person operates under a common trade name, separate proof of financial responsibility is required covering each corporation or person separately providing ocean transportation intermediary services.

(d) Federal military and civilian household goods. Any person which exclusively transports used household goods and personal effects for the account of the Department of Defense, or for the account of the federal civilian executive agencies shipping under the International Household Goods Program administered by the General Services Administration, or both, is not subject to the requirements of subpart C of this part, but may be subject to other requirements, such as alternative surety bonding, imposed by the Department of Defense, or the General Services Administration.

[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 17945, Apr. 6, 2004; 80 FR 68735, Nov. 5, 2015; 85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]

Prior to the date it commences furnishing ocean transportation intermediary services, every ocean transportation intermediary shall establish its financial responsibility for the purpose of this part by one of the following methods:

(a) Surety bond, by filing with the Commission a valid bond on Form FMC-48. Bonds must be issued by a surety company found acceptable by the Secretary of the Treasury;

(b) Insurance, by filing with the Commission evidence of insurance on Form FMC-67. The insurance must provide coverage for damages, reparations or penalties arising from any transportation-related activities under the Act of the insured ocean transportation intermediary. This evidence of financial responsibility shall be accompanied by: in the case of a financial rating, the Insurer's financial rating on the rating organization's letterhead or designated form; in the case of insurance provided by Underwriters at Lloyd's, documentation verifying membership in Lloyd's; and in the case of insurance provided by surplus lines insurers, documentation verifying inclusion on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers' Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Insurer must certify that it has sufficient and acceptable assets located in the United States to cover all damages arising from the transportation-related activities of the insured ocean transportation intermediary as specified under the Act. The insurance must be placed with:

(1) An Insurer having a financial rating of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company, or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization;

(2) Underwriters at Lloyd's; or

(3) Surplus lines insurers named on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers' Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; or

(c) Guaranty, by filing with the Commission evidence of guaranty on Form FMC-68. The guaranty must provide coverage for damages, reparations or penalties arising from any transportation-related activities under the Act of the covered ocean transportation intermediary. This evidence of financial responsibility shall be accompanied by: in the case of a financial rating, the Guarantor's financial rating on the rating organization's letterhead or designated form; in the case of a guaranty provided by Underwriters at Lloyd's, documentation verifying membership in Lloyd's; and in the case of a guaranty provided by surplus lines insurers, documentation verifying inclusion on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers' Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Guarantor must certify that it has sufficient and acceptable assets located in the United States to cover all damages arising from the transportation-related activities of the covered ocean transportation intermediary as specified under the Act. The guaranty must be placed with:

(1) A Guarantor having a financial rating of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company, or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization;

(2) Underwriters at Lloyd's; or

(3) Surplus lines insurers named on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers' Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; or

(d) Evidence of financial responsibility of the type provided for in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section established through and filed with the Commission by a group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries on behalf of its members, subject to the following conditions and procedures:

(1) Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall notify the Commission of its intention to participate in such a program and furnish documentation as will demonstrate its authenticity and authority to represent its members, such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, etc.;

(2) Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall provide the Commission with a list certified by its Chief Executive Officer containing the names of those ocean transportation intermediaries to which it will provide coverage; the manner and amount of existing coverage each covered ocean transportation intermediary has; an indication that the existing coverage provided each ocean transportation intermediary is provided by a surety bond issued by a surety company found acceptable to the Secretary of the Treasury, or by insurance or guaranty issued by a firm meeting the requirements of paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section with coverage limits specified above in § 515.21; and the name, address and facsimile number of each surety, insurer or guarantor providing coverage pursuant to this section. Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries or its financial responsibility provider shall notify the Commission within 30 days of any changes to its list;

(3) The group or association shall provide the Commission with a sample copy of each type of existing financial responsibility coverage used by member ocean transportation intermediaries;

(4) Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall be responsible for ensuring that each member's financial responsibility coverage allows for claims to be made in the United States against the Surety, Insurer or Guarantor for any judgment for damages against the ocean transportation intermediary arising from its transportation-related activities under the Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against the ocean transportation intermediary pursuant to section 13 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109). Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall be responsible for requiring each member ocean transportation intermediary to provide it with valid proof of financial responsibility annually;

(5) Where the group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries determines to secure on behalf of its members other forms of financial responsibility, as specified by this section, for damages, reparations or penalties not covered by a member's individual financial responsibility coverage, such additional coverage must:

(i) Allow claims to be made in the United States directly against the group or association's Surety, Insurer or Guarantor for damages against each covered member ocean transportation intermediary arising from each covered member ocean transportation intermediary's transportation-related activities under the Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against each covered member ocean transportation intermediary pursuant to section 13 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109); and

(ii) Be for an amount up to the amount determined in accordance with § 515.21(b), taking into account a member's individual financial responsibility coverage already in place. In the event of a claim against a group bond, the bond must be replenished up to the original amount of coverage within 30 days of payment of the claim; and

(iii) be in excess of a member's individual financial responsibility coverage already in place; and

(6) The coverage provided by the group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries on behalf of its members shall be provided by:

(i) in the case of a surety bond, a surety company found acceptable to the Secretary of the Treasury and issued by such a surety company on Form FMC-69; and

(ii) in the case of insurance and guaranty, a firm having a financial rating of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization, Underwriters at Lloyd's, or surplus line insurers named on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers' Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and issued by such firms on Form FMC-67 and Form FMC-68, respectively.

(e) All forms and documents for establishing financial responsibility of ocean transportation intermediaries prescribed in this section shall be submitted to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, via email to [email protected]. Such forms and documents must clearly identify the principal's name; trade name, if any; address; the state of incorporation/formation; and the printed name and title of the signatory.

[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 39860, June 11, 2002; 74 FR 50719, Oct. 1, 2009; 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]

(a) Who may seek payment. Shippers, common carriers, and other affected persons may seek payment from the bond, insurance, or other surety maintained by an ocean transportation intermediary for damages arising out of its ocean transportation-related activities. The Commission may also seek payment of civil penalties assessed under section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).

(b) Payment pursuant to a claim. (1) If a person does not file a complaint with the Commission pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), but otherwise seeks to pursue a claim against an ocean transportation intermediary bond, insurance, or other surety for damages arising from its transportation-related activities, it shall attempt to resolve its claim with the financial responsibility provider prior to seeking payment on any judgment for damages obtained. When a claimant seeks payment under this section, it simultaneously shall notify both the financial responsibility provider and the ocean transportation intermediary of the claim by mail or courier service. The bond, insurance, or other surety may be available to pay such claim if:

(i) The ocean transportation intermediary consents to payment, subject to review by the financial responsibility provider; or

(ii) The ocean transportation intermediary fails to respond within forty-five (45) days from the date of the notice of the claim to address the validity of the claim, and the financial responsibility provider deems the claim valid.

(2) If the parties fail to reach an agreement in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section within ninety (90) days of the date of the initial notification of the claim, the bond, insurance, or other surety shall be available to pay any final judgment for reparations ordered by the Commission or damages obtained from an appropriate court. The financial responsibility provider shall pay such judgment for damages only to the extent they arise from the transportation-related activities of the ocean transportation intermediary, ordinarily within thirty (30) days, without requiring further evidence related to the validity of the claim; it may, however, inquire into the extent to which the judgment for damages arises from the ocean transportation intermediary's transportation-related activities.

(c) Notices of court and other claims against OTIs by financial responsibility providers. (1) As provided in each financial responsibility instrument between an OTI and its financial responsibility provider(s), the issuing financial responsibility provider shall submit a notice to the Commission of each claim, court action, or court judgment against the financial responsibility and each claim paid (including the amount) by the provider.

(2) Notices described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall be promptly submitted in writing by mail or email ([email protected]) to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573.

(3) Notices required by this section shall include the name of the claimant, name of the court and case number assigned, and the name and license or organization number of the OTI involved. Such notices may include or attach other information relevant to the claim.

(d) The Federal Maritime Commission shall not serve as depository or distributor to third parties of bond, guaranty, or insurance funds in the event of any claim, judgment, or order for reparation.

(e) Optional bond riders. The Federal Maritime Commission shall not serve as a depository or distributor to third parties of funds payable pursuant to optional bond riders described in § 515.25(b).

[80 FR 68735, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]

(a) Every ocean transportation intermediary not located in the United States and every group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries not located in the United States which provides financial coverage for the financial responsibility of a member ocean transportation intermediary shall designate and maintain a person in the United States as legal agent for the receipt of judicial and administrative process, including subpoenas.

(b) Service of administrative process, other than subpoenas, may be effected upon the legal agent by dispatching a copy of the document to be served by mail or courier service. Administrative subpoenas shall be served in accordance with § 502.134 of this chapter.

(c) If the designated legal agent cannot be served because of death, disability, unavailability, termination or expiration of the designation, or if a legal agent authorized to receive such service is not designated in compliance with this section, the Secretary of the Federal Maritime Commission will be deemed to be the legal agent for service of process. Any person serving the Secretary must also send to the ocean transportation intermediary, or group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries which provide financial coverage for the financial responsibilities of a member ocean transportation intermediary, by mail or courier service at the ocean transportation intermediary's, or group's, address published in its tariff, a copy of each document served upon the Secretary, and shall attest to that service at the time service is made upon the Secretary. For purposes of this paragraph, it is sufficient that a person seeking to serve process on an ocean transportation intermediary, or group of such intermediaries, affirm to the Commission's Secretary that: they have contacted, or attempted to contact, the designated agent to confirm whether it remained authorized to accept service of process; or, if no legal agent is designated in the tariff, that it has no knowledge of the identity of the ocean transportation intermediary's legal agent. Designation of the Commission's Secretary as the legal agent shall survive any cancellation of the OTI's license or tariff and shall continue for the entire period during which claims may be made under the OTI's financial responsibility instrument.

(d) Designations of legal agent under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and provisions relating to service of process under paragraph (c) of this section shall be published in the ocean transportation intermediary's tariff, when required, in accordance with part 520 of this chapter.

(e) Every ocean transportation intermediary using a group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries to cover its financial responsibility requirement under § 515.21(b) shall publish the name and address of the group or association's resident agent for receipt of judicial and administrative process, including subpoenas, in its tariff, when required, in accordance with part 520 of this chapter.

[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 42888, July 18, 2013]

(a) Filing of proof of financial responsibility— (1) Licenses. Upon notification by the Commission that an applicant has been conditionally approved for licensing, the applicant shall file with the Director of the Commission's Bureau of Certification and Licensing, proof of financial responsibility in the form and amount prescribed in § 515.21. No license will be issued until the Commission is in receipt of valid proof of financial responsibility.

(2) Registrations. A registration shall not become effective until the applicant has furnished proof of financial responsibility pursuant to § 515.21, has submitted a Form FMC-1, and its published tariff becomes effective pursuant to 46 CFR part 520.

(b) Optional bond rider. Any NVOCC as defined in § 515.2(m)(2), in addition to a bond meeting the requirements of § 515.21(a)(2) or (3), may obtain and file with the Commission proof of an optional bond rider, as provided in Appendix E or Appendix F of this part.

[80 FR 68736, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]

No license or registration shall remain in effect unless valid proof of a financial responsibility instrument is maintained on file with the Commission. Upon receipt of notice of termination of such financial responsibility, the Commission shall notify the concerned licensee, registrant, or registrant's legal agent in the United States, by email, mail, courier, or other method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice, at its last known email address or address, that the Commission shall, without hearing or other proceeding, revoke the license or terminate the registration as of the termination date of the financial responsibility instrument, unless the licensee or registrant shall have submitted valid replacement proof of financial responsibility before such termination date. Replacement financial responsibility must bear an effective date no later than the termination date of the expiring financial responsibility instrument.

[84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]

(a) No common carrier may knowingly and willfully accept cargo from or transport cargo for the account of:

(1) An NVOCC that does not have a published tariff as required by 46 U.S.C. 40501 and part 520 of this chapter, and a bond, insurance, or other surety as required by 46 U.S.C. 40902 and this part; or

(2) An OFF that does not have a bond, insurance, or other surety as required by 46 U.S.C. 40902 and this part.

(b) A common carrier can obtain proof of an NVOCC or OFF's compliance with the OTI licensing, registration, tariff and financial responsibility requirements by:

(1) Consulting the Commission's website www.fmc.gov as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, to verify that the NVOCC or OFF has complied with the applicable licensing, registration, tariff, and financial responsibility requirements; or

(2) Any other appropriate procedure, provided that such procedure is set forth in the carrier's tariff.

(c) A common carrier that has employed the procedure prescribed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be deemed to have met its obligations under 46 U.S.C. 41104(a)(11), unless the common carrier knew that such NVOCC or OFF was not in compliance with the applicable tariff or financial responsibility requirements.

(d) The Commission will publish at its Web site, www.fmc.gov, a list of the locations of all carrier and conference tariffs, and a list of ocean transportation intermediaries (including a separate list for NVOCCs) who have met all of their applicable licensing, registration, tariff and financial responsibility requirements, current as of the last date on which the list is updated. The Commission will update this list on a periodic basis.

[80 FR 68736, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]