Notice2023-17593
Request for Information
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 16, 2023
Issuing agencies
Federal Maritime Commission
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 157 (Wednesday, August 16, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 16, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55697-55698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a594f49584f5e4b58536a4c4749044d455c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1261777160776673606b52747f713c757d64">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 <a href="https://www.fmc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/MTDIReportandViews.pdf">https://www.fmc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/MTDIReportandViews.pdf</a>.
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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
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2251474150475643505b62444f410c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3043555342554451424970565d531e575f46">[email protected]</span></a>:
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> 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
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