Members of Congress are calling for stricter enforcement of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) of 2022. In a letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), lawmakers highlight the need …
Alternative Shipping Approach Helping to Overcome Logistical Challenges
A joint venture among agricultural industry groups and transportation carriers is helping to overcome logistical challenges in the food supply chain. President and CEO of the Almond Alliance of California, …
Port of Oakland Protests Increase Concern Over Supply Chain Challenges
The ongoing protest at the Port of Oakland is creating further concern about the already strained supply chain. Last week independent truckers effectively shut down operations at the eighth-largest port …
American Port Access Privileges Act Seeks to ‘Restore Fairness’ at U.S. Ports
Representatives from California have introduced the American Port Access Privileges Act to help support agricultural exports leaving California ports. Congressmen John Garamendi, Jim Costa, and Mike Thompson introduced the legislation …
OSRA Signing: A ‘Big Win’ for Addressing Shipping Challenges
President Joe Biden signed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) into law on Thursday and has been met with substantial support from the agricultural industry. The legislation had just passed …
Almond Industry Cultivates Alternative Shipping Opportunities
A new joint venture across industries is creating new shipping opportunities for almond producers. The Almond Alliance of California has spearheaded a partnership to coordinate a new logistical route to …
Ocean Shipping Reform Act One Step Away from Becoming Law
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) by a vote of 369 to 42. Industry groups have continuously encouraged Congress to move forward on …
Commodity Container Assistance Program Taking Applications
Applications are being accepted for the Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP) aimed at addressing ongoing logistical challenges. Market disruptions continue to be an issue for agricultural exporters. Availability of shipping …
Actions Taken to Address Detention and Demurrage Fees
Efforts to address detention and demurrage fees are moving forward at both the state and federal level. A state assembly bill has been proposed to strengthen rules prohibiting certain fees …
Continued Ag Export Challenges: ‘We Need a Meeting with Carriers’
State and national agricultural groups are seeking government support in helping to facilitate solutions to ongoing export challenges. Seven organizations recently crafted a letter detailing the need for better understanding …
Dairy Industry Encourages Action to Address Supply Chain Problems
Industry groups are continuing calls for action from federal officials to address ongoing supply chain problems. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have …
Ocean Shipping Reform Act Continues Getting Closer to President’s Desk
Last week the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 was unanimously approved during a voice vote of the U.S. Senate. A version of the legislation was approved in the …
Ocean Shipping Reform Act Advances to Full Senate
Last week the Ocean Shipping Reform Act was approved by a voice vote in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee. The bill is now headed to the full Senate for consideration. …
Another ‘Pop-Up’ Site Aims to Further Ease U.S. Port Congestion
A partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) seeks to further address port congestion. Access to a 49-acre “pop up” site in Seattle …