Posted on January 28, 2026
The Federal Maritime Commission has opened a formal investigation into whether ocean carriers are unlawfully restricting truckers and shippers from choosing their own chassis providers, focusing on potential violations of federal shipping law.
Announced Sunday, the probe will examine whether carriers are using association rules, service contracts, or terminal agreements to directly or indirectly control chassis selection — despite having exited direct ownership of the equipment years ago. The FMC said such practices could violate the Shipping Act by unfairly limiting competition and restricting the ability of truckers and shippers to negotiate directly with chassis leasing companies.
“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 section 41102(c) of the Shipping Act,” the Commission said.
The investigation targets a system that has quietly reshaped the U.S. port supply chain. In the early 2010s, ocean carriers sold off their chassis fleets to a small group of dominant leasing firms, shedding the capital burden of ownership. But critics say carriers maintained control through so-called “gray pool” arrangements and terminal rules that dictate which chassis can be used at specific ports and terminals — effectively preserving market power without owning the assets.
That structure, some critics argue, has reduced competition, limited truckers’ bargaining power, and contributed to chronic equipment shortages, rising fees, and operational bottlenecks — problems that became glaringly visible during the pandemic-era supply chain crisis.
The FMC is seeking input from shippers, motor carriers, and other transportation providers about restrictions or tactics that may limit chassis choice. Public comments must be submitted by March 27, 2026, through the Federal Register.
The non-adjudicatory investigation is being led by the Commission’s General Counsel under its statutory authority to oversee ocean carriers’ conduct and service contracts. The Shipping Act bars carriers from using unfair or unjustly discriminatory practices, including actions that restrict competition or access to essential services.
If regulators determine that carriers are exerting improper control over chassis access, the findings could reshape how equipment is sourced, priced, and managed across U.S. ports — with significant implications for trucking costs, terminal operations, and broader supply chain resilience.
