Two Shippers Accuse Carriers of Exploiting Pandemic to Overcharge Shippers

Two major U.S. importers have filed claims with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), alleging profiteering by ocean carriers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Euromarket Designs — the parent company for home goods retailer Crate & Barrel — filed a claim December 31 with the FMC, accusing 10 ocean carriers of using the pandemic to engage in a coordinated effort to overcharge shippers by millions of dollars. 

The carriers named in the company’s claim include CMA CGM, Maersk, Evergreen, Apex Maritime, China United, HMM, Wan Hai, and Ocean Network Express, with Crate and Barrel alleging that it ended up paying $30 million more than it would ha…