Regulatory Compliance & Standards

Compliance & Certifications

Gateway maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance, ensuring secure and lawful international shipping operations.

FMC Licensed

Federal Maritime Commission Licensed Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI), Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), and Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF).

Active & Bonded

C-TPAT Certified

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism certified, ensuring the highest level of cargo security and supply chain integrity.

Tier 2 Status

ISO Compliant

Operating under ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards for consistent service delivery and continuous improvement.

Annually Audited

Federal Maritime Commission

FMC Regulatory Compliance

As a federally licensed Ocean Transportation Intermediary, Gateway operates in full compliance with all Federal Maritime Commission regulations, the Shipping Act of 1984 (as amended by OSRA 1998), and 46 CFR Part 515 requirements.

Licensed NVOCC

FMC Licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier authorized to provide ocean transportation services

• $75,000 Surety Bond

• Published Tariff Required

• Service Contract Authority

Ocean Freight Forwarder

Licensed to arrange transportation of cargo and provide logistics services on behalf of shippers

• $50,000 Surety Bond

• Freight Forwarding Authority

• Documentation Services

Financial Responsibility

Maintains required surety bonds and proof of financial responsibility per 46 CFR § 515.21

• Continuous Bond Coverage

• Annual Renewal

• Claims Protection

Shipping Act of 1984 (As Amended by OSRA 1998)

The Shipping Act governs the operation of common carriers and ocean transportation intermediaries in U.S. foreign commerce. Gateway adheres to all provisions of this legislation.

46 U.S.C. § 40901-40904 - NVOCC Responsibilities

Establish, observe, and enforce just and reasonable rates and charges
Publish tariffs showing all rates and charges (46 CFR Part 520)
Enter into service contracts with shippers
Maintain financial responsibility and surety bonds
Comply with all FMC reporting requirements
Prohibit unjust discrimination or undue preference

46 CFR Part 515 - Licensing Requirements

Obtain and maintain valid FMC OTI license
Submit Form FMC-18 (License Application)
Provide qualifying individual information
Demonstrate business competency and integrity
Report changes to business information within 30 days
Maintain records for 5 years from contract termination

46 CFR Part 520 - Tariff Publication Requirements

As required by law, all NVOCCs must publish and maintain tariffs showing rates, charges, classifications, rules, and practices applicable to ocean transportation services.

Tariff Content Requirements:

All applicable rates and charges
Service terms and conditions
Rules of general applicability
Commodity classifications
Port pairs and service routes
Container specifications and limitations
Payment terms and conditions
Free time and detention policies

Publication Standards:

Published electronically in accessible format
Available for public inspection
30-day notice for rate increases
Immediate filing for rate decreases
Organized location filing (Form FMC-1)
Updated within 24 hours of changes
Maintained for duration of service
Archived for 5 years after termination

46 CFR Part 530 & 532 - Service Contracts & NRA Regulations

NVOCCs may enter into confidential service contracts and Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) with shippers, subject to FMC filing requirements.

Service Contract Authority:

•Negotiated rates below tariff rates
•Volume commitments from shippers
•Specified service levels
•Exclusive dealing provisions
•Confidential filing with FMC
•Essential terms only disclosed

NVOCC Service Arrangements:

•Individual NSAs with shippers
•Minimum volume commitments
•Time-definite obligations
•Performance incentives/penalties
•Electronic filing within 24 hours
•5-year record retention

Prohibited Practices:

✗No unjust discrimination
✗No unreasonable refusal to deal
✗No retaliation against shippers
✗No false or misleading information
✗No fighting ship practices
✗No predatory pricing

Additional U.S. Regulations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Registered Importer
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - Cargo Security
Department of Transportation (DOT) - Safety Standards
ISF Filing and 10+2 Rule Compliance (19 CFR Part 149)
AMS (Automated Manifest System) Filing
ACI (Advance Commercial Information) Requirements

International Maritime Standards

IMDG Code Compliant (Dangerous Goods Handling)
SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) VGM Requirements
ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security)
AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Recognition
IMO 2020 Sulphur Regulation Compliance
MARPOL Environmental Protection Standards

Security & Insurance

Data Security

256-bit SSL encryption for all data transmissions. SOC 2 Type II compliant data centers.

GDPR CompliantPCI DSS

Cargo Insurance

Comprehensive cargo insurance up to $100,000 per container. Additional coverage available.

All-Risk CoverageA+ Rated

Liability Coverage

$75,000 FMC bond and $5 million general liability insurance for complete protection.

E&O CoverageBonded

Our Compliance Process

Documentation Review

Thorough review of all shipping documents for accuracy and compliance

Regulatory Checks

Verification against current regulations and trade restrictions

Security Screening

Advanced screening procedures for all shipments and partners

Continuous Monitoring

Real-time compliance monitoring throughout the shipping process

Anti-Corruption & Ethics Policy

Gateway maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, bribery, and unethical business practices. We are committed to conducting business with integrity and transparency in all our operations.

FCPA Compliant (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act)
UK Bribery Act Compliant
Regular Ethics Training for All Staff
Anonymous Whistleblower Hotline
Third-Party Due Diligence
Annual Compliance Audits

Compliance Documentation

Download our compliance certificates, policies, and regulatory documentation