Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021

Hozzl · 2023-03-09T17:47:48Z

Explore the details of House Bill 4996 Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Transportation and Public Works. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/9/2023, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 4996

Bill 117 HR 4996, also known as the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address issues within the ocean shipping industry and improve transparency and accountability.

One key aspect of the bill is to require ocean carriers to provide more detailed information about their pricing and fees to shippers. This is aimed at increasing transparency and helping shippers make more informed decisions when choosing a carrier. The bill also seeks to address issues related to detention and demurrage fees, which are charges imposed on shippers for delays in loading and unloading cargo.

Additionally, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 aims to enhance the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) oversight of the industry. The FMC would be given more authority to investigate and address unfair or deceptive practices by ocean carriers, as well as to enforce regulations related to shipping. Overall, the bill is designed to promote fair competition, protect the interests of shippers, and ensure a more efficient and reliable ocean shipping industry. It is currently being reviewed by Congress and may undergo changes before being voted on.

Congressional Summary of HR 4996

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021

This bill revises provisions related to ocean shipping policies and is designed to support the growth and development of U.S. exports and promote reciprocal trade in the common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States.

Among other provisions, the bill

sets forth requirements for operating a shipping exchange involving ocean transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States;
requires ocean common carriers to report to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) each calendar quarter on total import and export tonnage and the total loaded and empty 20-foot equivalent units per vessel that makes port in the United States;
requires the FMC to publish and annually update all its findings of false certifications by ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators and all penalties assessed against such carriers or operators;
revises annual reporting requirements for the FMC on foreign laws and practices to include practices by ocean common carriers;
prohibits ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators from retaliating or discriminating against shippers because such shippers have patronized another carrier, or filed a complaint;
directs the FMC to establish rules prohibiting ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators from adopting and applying unjust and unreasonable demurrage and detention fees;
authorizes the FMC to initiate investigations of an ocean common carrier's fees or charges and apply enforcement measures, as appropriate;
directs the Department of Transportation to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to study the U.S. supply chain industry, including data constraints that impede the flow of maritime cargo and add to supply chain inefficiencies; and
provides authority for the FMC to issue an emergency order requiring ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators to share directly with relevant shippers, rail carriers, or motor carriers information relating to cargo throughput and availability.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 4996

Bill HR 4996 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since August 10, 2021. Bill HR 4996 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on August 10, 2021. Bill HR 4996's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of December 9, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4996

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

192

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4996

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact Areas

Business recordsCivil actions and liabilityCompetitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficitsCongressional oversightContracts and agencyFraud offenses and financial crimesGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsManufacturingMarine and inland water transportationMotor carriersNavigation, waterways, harborsRailroadsTransportation costs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4996

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021To amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to prohibited acts by ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators, and for other purposes.Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021

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