Tariff filing

Tariff filing is the regulatory requirement that a common carrier publish its rates, charges, rules, and practices in an automated tariff system open to the public. In US ocean trades, 46 CFR Part 520 makes every vessel-operating common carrier and conference keep its tariff available for public inspection, submit Form FMC-1 to the Federal Maritime Commission before starting service, and give at least 30 days between publishing a rate increase and its effective date, with a special-permission process to shorten that notice for good cause. Since 1 February 2024 carriers must provide access to their tariff publication systems free of charge.