An increasing number of shippers are lodging complaints with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), with DB Schenker USA and Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) being the latest subjects of such filings.

These legal actions contribute to the FMC’s exceptionally busy summer, which recently saw the resolution of two of the largest claims in the agency’s history: an $18.1 million claim against Ocean Network Express (ONE) and a $14.7 million lawsuit targeting Yang Ming Marine Transport.

In contrast, the damages sought from DB Schenker USA and WW are relatively modest, amounting to just under $400,000—only a fraction of the claims faced by ONE and Yang Ming.

Worldwide Nexus Logistics’ complaint against WW pertains to a roll-on/roll-off shipment from the U.S. to Chile in late 2023, which was impounded by Peruvian authorities due to incomplete or incorrect cargo documentation.

The claimant asserted that “WW was responsible for submitting all required shipping documents, including the Peruvian cargo manifest,” adding that the carrier’s failure to do so resulted in the seizure. “WW did not provide a substantive response, compensation, or explanation. Furthermore, it initially acknowledged liability for the documentation error and proposed a compensation amount to cover the cargo loss. However, WW later unilaterally withdrew the settlement offer without justification or explanation.” Worldwide Nexus Logistics characterized this behavior as further evidence of the company’s bad faith.

As the goods have remained in the custody of Peruvian authorities since December 2023, Worldwide Nexus Logistics has requested that the FMC issue an order awarding $240,900 in compensation to cover the value of the cargo, freight charges, and “consequential damages.”

Separately, International Wood Group (IWG) has filed a claim against DB Schenker USA concerning five bookings made between 2024 and 2025, the most recent of which occurred in March. Each instance involved documentation errors that led to delays and additional costs for the shipper.

Regarding one of the bookings, IWG stated: “DB Schenker USA repeatedly issued inaccurate shipping documents—including bills of lading, certificates of origin, packing lists, and commercial invoices—despite having received explicit correction requests.”

In reference to another booking, the shipper noted: “DB Schenker USA issued a bill of lading containing incorrect gross weight figures, disregarding the final invoice and packing list that had been provided.”

Seeking damages in excess of $168,959, IWG has also urged the FMC to establish a mandate requiring non-vessel-operating common carriers to “implement appropriate internal policies for proper document handling, effective customer communication, and regulatory compliance.”