COSCO Shipping Lines is facing a $1.2 million claim filed by a U.S.-based NVOCC over allegedly unjustified demurrage and detention (D&D) charges. The claim, submitted to the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), accuses COSCO of imposing fees that violate the Shipping Act by being “unjust and unreasonable” and lacking transparency.
The complainant, MAC Industries, claims that COSCO charged fees on containers that should have qualified for extended free time or alternative handling due to operational issues. The NVOCC argues that the billing practices have directly harmed its business.
Demurrage and detention fees are intended to encourage timely return of containers, but disputes over their application have increased, especially amid port congestion and supply chain pressures. Industry experts note that the outcome of this claim could have wider implications for carrier billing practices globally.
COSCO has not issued any public comment regarding the claim.