The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) will host a research symposium on demurrage and detention (D&D) practices at its Washington headquarters on March 31, 2027, and is inviting papers by February 15. The symposium will look at whether D&D charges actually make cargo move faster and how they should be set.
Bryan Vickers with IAM’s Government and Regulatory Affairs team reported that the symposium will bring together researchers and industry experts around one central question: what economic frameworks can be used to measure the relationship between the actual costs behind D&D, the level of the charges, and the behavior needed to keep cargo moving. The FMC is especially interested in papers on methods for setting D&D charges above actual costs so that they work as an incentive, and on how shippers and other parties respond to those charges. Other themes include how D&D terms and rates are negotiated, how contracts, Incoterms, and government holds affect charges, and whether the party responsible for a delay is the one that pays for it. Researchers will also look at how to measure actual costs and opportunity costs, and at the point where higher charges stop improving cargo flow.
Executive summaries, extended abstracts, or completed papers should be sent to Grace Wang at WWang@fmc.gov by February 15, 2027, with completed papers given preference. Authors will be notified by March 1, when registration for audience members opens and the agenda is announced. The symposium will be held at FMC headquarters, 800 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, D.C.
IAM Member Impact: Forwarders, NVOCCs, and household goods shippers often face D&D charges for delays they cannot control, such as customs or government holds and congestion at ports. The symposium’s focus on whether the party responsible for a delay is the one that pays gives members a chance to put that experience on record. Members with relevant data or case studies, especially those involving government and military shipments, should consider contributing to a submission or attending in March. Questions can be sent to Grace Wang or Melina Reilly (MReilly@fmc.gov).