Ocean Shipping Reform Act Passes U.S. House

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday to update U.S. international ocean-shipping laws for the first time in more than 20 years. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 comes well-timed, as supply chain bottlenecks continue to wreak havoc on U.S. ports. The bipartisan legislation would give the Federal Maritime Commission modernized tools to protect exporters, importers and consumers from unfair practices. Ag groups such as the North American Meat Institute applaud the legislation, saying the bill prohibits ocean carriers from declining export cargo bookings, an issue that has disadvantaged American exporters including meat and poultry. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act was introduced by Congressmen John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and was approved with a vote of 364 to 60. The bill now waits for consideration by the U.S. Senate.

Read more on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.