The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has launched a formal investigation into whether ocean carriers are unlawfully restricting truckers and shippers from choosing their own chassis providers, raising concerns over potential violations of federal shipping law.
Announced on Sunday, the non-adjudicatory probe will examine whether carriers are using association rules, service contracts, terminal agreements or other mechanisms to directly or indirectly control chassis selection, despite having exited direct ownership of the equipment more than a decade ago.
The Commission said such practices may breach Section 41102(c) of the Shipping Act, which prohibits unjust or unreasonable conduct that restricts competition or access to essential services.
“Any practices, whether through ocean common carrier association rules, service contracts, or other means, which unjustly or unreasonably restrict truckers and shippers from dealing with chassis providers may violate the Shipping Act,” the FMC said in a statement.
The investigation focuses on a system that has quietly reshaped the US port supply chain. In the early 2010s, ocean carriers sold their chassis fleets to a small number of large leasing companies, reducing capital and maintenance costs. However, critics argue carriers retained influence through so-called “grey pool” arrangements and terminal rules that limit which chassis can be used at specific ports or terminals.
Industry stakeholders say the structure has reduced competition, weakened truckers’ negotiating power, and contributed to equipment shortages, rising fees and operational inefficiencies — issues that became particularly acute during the pandemic-era supply chain disruptions.
The FMC is inviting public comments from shippers, motor carriers, chassis providers and other transportation stakeholders on practices that may restrict chassis choice. Submissions must be made via the Federal Register by March 27, 2026.
The probe is being led by the Commission’s General Counsel under the FMC’s statutory authority to oversee ocean carrier conduct and service contracts.
If the investigation finds that carriers are exerting improper control over chassis access, the outcome could significantly reshape how chassis are sourced, priced and managed at US ports, with wide-ranging implications for trucking costs, terminal operations and overall supply chain resilience.