FMC to lose a valued commissioner

William P. Doyle has announced that he is stepping down from his post at the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission after serving under two very different Presidents.

It should come as not surprise that his letter contained the measured manners of a man who has never been compromised by partisan politics.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to continue serving in the Trump Administration,” he said. “I thank President Barack Obama for nominating and appointing me twice as a Commissioner.  I have learned so much in this position, and I thank you both for the opportunity to serve the Unites States of America.” 

Doyle has been in the eye of the storm over the past five years, through an unprecedented era of change and disruption in the ocean cargo industry.

Global consolidations, mergers, bankruptcies, and the advent of mega ocean carrier alliances are only part of the picture.

Working with his fellow Commissioners, Doyle took a leading coordination role during the run-up to the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) SOLAS regulations. To his lasting credit, he was concerned with the implementation of the new rule and helped to ensure shippers were not unduly burdened. 

Doyle should also be recognized for his role in the outcome of the 2014-2015 West Coast labor – management negotiations.  He directly with White House cabinet secretaries, management and labor helping to conclude the talks and help resolve major concerns about the availability of container chassis and other essential equipment.”    

Finally, in the wake of the 2016 Hanjin Bankruptcy, Doyle championed more financial safeguards in the industry. 

As noted his letter of resignation, the collapse of Hanjin Shipping was “a wake-up call” for the entire ocean transportation chain. More than $14 billion in cargo was stranded at sea and ships were scattered all over the globe at anchor or just outside territorial waters.

Thanks to his efforts, U.S. shippers should never see this happen again.