Why the FMC Exists and How It Protects American Supply Chains

In “Why the FMC Exists and How It Protects American Supply Chains”, Joe Lynch speaks with Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Laura DiBella, about how the agency regulates ocean shipping, resolves cargo disputes, and safeguards American importers, exporters, and consumers from supply chain disruptions.

About Laura DiBella

Laura DiBella serves as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, having been nominated by President Trump in September 2025, confirmed by the Senate in December, sworn in as Commissioner on January 6, 2026, and designated Chairman later that month for a term through June 30, 2028. Before this role, she worked as a government affairs advisor for Adams and Reese LLP after serving as Florida’s first female Secretary of Commerce, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, and President of Business Development at the Florida Department of Commerce. Her maritime leadership career began in 2017 as temporary Port Director for the Port of Fernandina, later becoming the first full-time Executive Director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association in 2019, where she spearheaded key infrastructure and policy initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and is an accomplished marathon runner.

About Federal Maritime Commission

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent agency of the federal government whose mission is to ensure a competitive and reliable international ocean transportation supply system that supports the U.S. economy and protects the public from unfair and deceptive practices.

Key Takeaways: Why the FMC Exists and How It Protects American Supply Chains

In “Why the FMC Exists and How It Protects American Supply Chains”, Joe Lynch speaks with Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Laura DiBella, about how the agency regulates ocean shipping, resolves cargo disputes, and safeguards American importers, exporters, and consumers from supply chain disruptions.
Federal Maritime Commission Purpose: The FMC is an independent federal agency dedicated to maintaining a competitive, reliable international ocean transportation system that protects American consumers and taxpayers from unfair and deceptive supply chain practices.
Support for U.S. Cargo & Economic Interests: The agency regulates ocean shipping to safeguard American importers and exporters, focusing on ensuring cargo fluidity, economic viability, and mitigating supply chain-driven inflation.
Broad Industry Regulation: The FMC oversees and regulates ocean common carriers, marine terminal operators (MTOs), and ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs).
Impact of OSRA 2022: The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 expanded the FMC’s authority, enabling faster responses to U.S. shippers and establishing dedicated processes to address unfair detention and demurrage charges.
Accessible Dispute Resolution: Through its Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services, the agency provides mediation between shippers and carriers to resolve commercial conflicts cost-effectively without requiring formal litigation.
Licensing and Supply Chain Security: The FMC enforces licensing, bonding, and vetting for maritime entities to ensure reliable cargo delivery and protect against security threats and freight fraud.
Proactive Public Resource: Beyond serving as a regulatory body, the FMC actively engages with small shippers and industry stakeholders to offer guidance and solve logistics challenges before they disrupt operations.