Notice of Inquiry; Vessel-Operating Common Carrier Definition and Application of the Term “Merchant” in Bills of Lading

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The Federal Maritime Commission ("FMC" or "Commission") is issuing this Notice of Inquiry ("NOI") to solicit public comment on the practice of vessel-operating common carriers (VOCCs or carrier) defining "Merchant" in their bills of lading to apply to persons and entities with whom the VOCCs may not be in contractual privity. Generally, the Commission seeks public comment as to 1) how VOCCs apply the term "Merchant" in their bills of lading; 2) whether the definition, as applied, subjects third parties who are not in contractual privity with the carrier to joint or several liability; and 3) whether carriers have enforced the definition of merchant against third parties that have not consented to be bound by, or otherwise accept, the terms and conditions of the bill of lading.