[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 16, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55697-55698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-17593]


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FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

[Docket No. FMC-2023-0016]


Request for Information

AGENCY: Federal Maritime Commission.

ACTION: Request for information.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) seeks public 
comment on questions related to maritime data transmission, 
accessibility, and accuracy. Information received in response to this 
request will supplement information gathered during the public meetings 
of the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative and to better inform the 
Commission about commercial activities.

DATES: Submit comments on or before October 16, 2023.

ADDRESSES: The Commission will collect comments through the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FMC-2023-
0016. Please refer to the ``Public Participation'' heading under the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice for detailed 
instructions on how to submit comments, including instructions on how 
to request confidential treatment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Cody, Secretary; Phone: (202) 
523-5725; Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Cargo in international trade moves between the control of numerous 
entities. While some key data elements are readily shared between 
supply chain participants, the lack of timely and accurate access to 
some data elements can lead to inefficiencies, as was seen during the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the lack of data standardization 
reduces the ability to move cargo in an effective way.
    Improved communication and data availability could ease the flow of 
data and potentially provide positive results including fewer and 
shorter duration instances of congestion; quicker movement of import 
and export shipments; assessment of fewer storage fees; and a reduction 
in in cargo holds thereby improving supply chain effectiveness and 
efficiency.

II. Request for Information

    The purposes of the Shipping Act as stated in 46 U.S.C. 40101 
include ensuring an efficient, economical ocean transportation supply 
system. The data challenges of the supply chain were examined during 
the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI) led by Commissioner 
Carl W. Bentzel. A report summarizing the information was released by 
Commissioner Bentzel in May 2023.\1\ The Commission seeks additional 
information from the shipping public to expand the information gathered 
from the MTDI sessions and address additional topics related to data 
availability, accuracy, and exchange.
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    \1\ Available at https://www.fmc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/MTDIReportandViews.pdf.
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    During the MTDI sessions, Commissioner Bentzel heard comments from 
many supply chain participants regarding the methods that are used to 
transmit data between parties involved in moving ocean containers. 
Participants discussed frequently having to email information regarding 
the movement and availability of cargo or needing to visit a website to 
check the status of containers/shipments. In some cases, the only way 
to know the status of cargo was to call various supply chain service 
providers and ask for information about specific shipments. These were 
all presented as examples of common, but inefficient, ways to learn the 
status of cargo. MTDI session

[[Page 55698]]

participants also discussed the industry being slow to move to more 
accurate and efficient methods for data transmission, such as 
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Application Programming Interface 
(API), which are more timely and often more accurate. To build on the 
information gathered during these meetings, the Commission is seeking 
public comments on the following questions related to maritime data 
transmission, accessibility, and accuracy. The purpose of these 
questions is to seek information about data sharing practices, not 
information about specific customers/partners and commenters should not 
name specific customers/partners when responding. The Commission has 
segmented the questions into categories specific to certain 
stakeholders but is also interested in hearing from the public who may 
respond to all of the questions.

Transportation Service Providers (e.g., Ocean Carriers, Marine Terminal 
Operators (MTOs), Licensed Motor Carriers (LMCs), Railroad Operators 
Who Transport International Maritime Cargo)

    1. What are the largest barriers that currently exist that prevent 
you from sharing data with shippers/Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs)?
    2. How much effort and/or cost would it take to adapt your existing 
computer systems to be able to share more data with shippers/BCOs?
    3. What concerns do you have about providing additional data to 
shippers/BCOs?
    4. What are your preferred means to provide data to shippers/BCOs. 
(e.g., EDI, API, email)?
    5. Are there innovative methods you use for transmitting 
information with your highest volume shippers/BCOs?
    6. What can shippers/BCOs do to better predict container 
availability, earliest return date, etc.?
    7. What data would you be willing to provide openly to the public? 
What would you only provide to the shipper/BCO/others in the direct 
supply chain for a container?
    8. What data are collected and controlled by other parties in the 
supply chain that influence your business operations?

Importers/Exporters (e.g., BCOs, Shippers)

    1. What are the data points during the shipping process that are 
least likely to be available/accurate? What are the most accurate and 
visible data points?
    2. What data points are the most important to have accurate and in 
advance to facilitate planning of service? How often do you receive 
them accurately and in advance? How are changes communicated to you?
    3. What is the best way for you to receive data from carriers/MTOs/
etc. (e.g., EDI, API, email)?
    4. How do you currently receive data from carriers/MTOs/etc. (e.g., 
EDI, API, email)?
    5. What share of containers do you believe to be available but when 
you attempt to pick them up, they are not available? What is the cost 
impact of these delays?
    6. What share of containers could you have picked up earlier if you 
had been notified that they were available earlier? What is the cost 
impact of these delays?

III. Public Participation

How do I prepare and submit comments?

    You may submit comments by using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FMC-2023-0016. Please follow the 
instructions provided on the Federal eRulemaking Portal to submit 
comments.

How do I submit confidential business information?

    The Commission will provide confidential treatment for identified 
confidential information to the extent allowed by law. If you would 
like to request confidential treatment, pursuant to 46 CFR 502.5, you 
must submit the following, by email, to [email protected]:
     A transmittal letter requesting confidential treatment 
that identifies the specific information in the comment for which 
protection is sought and demonstrates that the information is a trade 
secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial 
information.
     A confidential copy of your comment, consisting of the 
complete filing with a cover page marked ``Confidential-Restricted,'' 
and the confidential material clearly marked on each page.
     A public version of your comment with the confidential 
information excluded. The public version must state ``Public Version--
confidential materials excluded'' on the cover page and on each 
affected page and must clearly indicate any information withheld.

Will the Commission consider late comments?

    The Commission will consider all comments received before the close 
of business on the comment closing date indicated above under DATES. To 
the extent possible, we will also consider comments received after that 
date.

How can I read comments submitted by other people?

    You may read the comments received by the Commission at 
www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FMC-2023-0016.

    By the Commission.
William Cody,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-17593 Filed 8-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6730-02-P