Access One Transport, a California-based haulier, has lodged complaints with the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regarding container line detention and demurrage (D&D) charges. The company is seeking around $77,000 in damages from CMA CGM, alleging violations of the Shipping Act between April 2021 and June 2022.

Access One transports full imported ocean containers to and from CMA terminals across Long Beach and Los Angeles. However, it claims that during the pandemic, CMA would assign a terminal for empty container returns, but often failed to provide available appointments or imposed restrictions on the number of empties accepted. As a result, Access One had to store the containers itself, incurring charges after the free return time. The company alleges that CMA charged detention in an unreasonable manner, leading to additional stop-off, re-delivery charges, and storage fees.

Access One also filed a smaller claim against Zim for charges on five containers in May 2022. Additionally, another shipper filed a claim against CMA CGM, alleging errors on bill of ladings resulting in cargo return. These incidents underscore a broader challenge with container line practices, prompting calls for further investigation by the FMC.