USDEC, NMPF commend introduction of Ocean Shipping Reform Act
The act would provide new authority to the Federal Maritime Commission to address unjust and unreasonable practices by ocean carriers.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), both headquartered in Arlington, Va., said they offered their support for bipartisan legislation introduced Aug. 10 by Representatives John Garamendi (D-Calif.) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.): the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.
The dairy industry, as well as other exporters, has faced substantially increased costs to ship goods overseas and challenges obtaining containers and other equipment to deliver goods to ports and beyond, the organizations noted, and often has incurred booking cancellations or delays for vessel space. Owing in part to the COVID-19 change in American online orders, imports have affected vessel operations and container availability, diminishing export options for American dairy products. Ocean carriers have exacerbated this situation with high detention and demurrage charges, the increased shipment of empty containers back to Asia and other unfair practices.