This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
12/9/2021
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (H.R. 4996), which aims to help ease the nation's supply-chain challenges.
Introduced by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), the bipartisan bill would increase the Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) authorizations by 10% over the previous fiscal year, and strengthen the agency’s oversight and enforcement authority, according to a press release issued by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Commitee.
Specifically, the legislation would:• update FMC authority to ensure fairness in ocean carrier contracts;• establish a shipping exchange registry through the FMC;• require a new process for detention and demurrage charges;• provide safeguards to combat retaliation and deter unfair business practices;• direct a study to examine options for efficient cargo information sharing;• improve the congressionally authorized National Shipper Advisory Committee; and• add an annual reporting requirement on anticompetitive and nonreciprocal trade practices.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.