The FMC’s new “Charge Complaint” Process: How to file for D&D refunds!  In June 2022, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA) amended the Shipping Act and authorized the Federal Maritime Commission to promptly investigate “information concerning complaints about charges assessed by a common carrier,” and permits the FMC to order refunds and/or penalties for charges that do not comply OSRA.  This Coffee Break session will walk shippers through this new “self-help" process and the relief that the FMC can provide under OSRA.

Robert Ernest. Senior Principal Legal Counsel - Transportation & Logistics, GO&SC Legal, Medtronic

Robert Ernest has over 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, both international and domestic, with an expertise in managing a diverse range of corporate and regulatory issues, including complex commercial agreements, import/export regulatory issues, global trade compliance and investigations, aviation and maritime regulatory matters, and risk and insurance matters. Currently Bob is Senior Counsel, Transportation & Logistics at Medtronic plc, which is a global leader in medical technology, services, and solutions. Bob supports Medtronic’s Global Operations & Supply Chain function, providing legal, regulatory, and business counsel to the company’s global supply management and global supply chain teams.

Before Medtronic, Bob was a Partner in the Boston office of ArentFox Schiff LLP, where his clients included parties throughout the supply chain, including importers and exporters of goods, international freight forwarders, customs house brokers, motor carriers, property brokers, and warehouse operators. Before ArentFox, Bob was general counsel of the Americas region of The Panalpina Group, a Swiss-based global freight forwarder.  Bob also served as Corporate Counsel – North America for Kuehne + Nagel Inc., and as an attorney for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Bob received his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (1995) and his law degree from Suffolk University Law School (1998) in Boston. He is member of both the Massachusetts and Connecticut bars.