Consumer Alert – Tam Tam, Inc. and T-Square Inc.

The Commission has received reports that an unlicensed Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) has been operating under the names of Tam Tam, Inc. and T-Square Inc. Consumers report that they paid these companies to ship automobiles and personal effects. However, Tam Tam Inc. and T-Square Inc. have failed to pay others in the transportation chain resulting in consumers making additional payments in order to receive their goods. Consumers also report that they were unable to contact Tam Tam, Inc. and T-Square, Inc. when problems occurred with their shipments.

Consumers can protect themselves by taking the following steps when hiring a company to ship their goods overseas:

• Make sure that a company you select is on the Commission’s list of FMC-Licensed & Bonded OTIs.
• Ensure that the company name and contact information provided on the company’s website matches the information on the Commission’s list of FMC-Licensed & Bonded OTIs.
• If you have questions regarding the licensing status of a potential company that you are considering to help you with your international move call or email the Commission’s Office of Transportation Intermediaries at (202) 523-5843 or oti@fmc.gov.
• When companies claim to be agents for FMC-licensed and bonded companies, make sure that all shipping paperwork references a FMC-licensed and bonded company that is providing your ocean transportation.

If you have arranged for international shipment of vehicles or personal items with either Tam Tam, Inc. or T-Square, Inc., and you are experiencing problems with your shipment, you should immediately contact the Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) by phone at (202) 523-5807 or by email at complaints@fmc.gov. CADRS will make every attempt to locate your goods and determine the status of your shipment.