ISSA joined more than 152 companies and trade associations representing U.S. importers, exporters, transportation providers, and other supply chain stakeholders in strongly supporting the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (OSRA21, HR 4996). The bipartisan legislation was introduced last month by U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and would update the Shipping Act to recognize the significant changes to the international maritime transportation system of the past two decades.

In a letter to Representatives Garamendi and Johnson, the signatories stated that “We believe the reforms included in OSRA21 will help address longstanding, systemic supply chain and port disruption issues which have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The letter goes on to state that “We certainly welcomed the Interpretive Rule on Detention and Demurrage as published by the Federal Maritime Commission, but we need more than just ‘guidance’ that is not being followed by ocean carriers nor marine terminals, leading to hundreds of millions of dollars in unfair penalties against US shippers and their transportation partners. The legislation will seek to formalize this rule and truly define the parameters for these charges.”

OSRA21also will seek to update key provisions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which hasn’t been updated in over two decades.

“ISSA thanks Representatives Garamendi and Johnson for their strong leadership on this issue to ensure that the ongoing supply chain disruption and port congestion issues are addressed,” said ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft. “We look forward to working with them to ensure passage of this important legislation.” For questions about OSRA21 and/or ISSA advocacy, please contact Nothdurft at [email protected].