On December 10th, the House overwhelmingly adopted the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021.  This legislation will update the Shipping Act, which governs the policies and activities of the Federal Maritime Commission. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act was supported by all agricultural, manufacturing and retail associations impacted by port congestion and the self-serving actions by the vessel-operating common carriers. 

Ocean shippers have been returning empty containers to ports in Asia reducing the ability of U.S. manufacturers and specifically producers of fruit and other agricultural products to ship westbound from Pacific coast ports

 Other issues of concern include the escalation in freight rates and other undesirable practices including failure to inform U.S. exporters of cargo loading times and imposing demurrage fees.  It is anticipated that the bill will be passed by the Senate and be signed into law by the President in due course.