A U.S. Senate panel easily approved legislation meant to facilitate the flow of freight at the country’s ports.
The Commerce Committee on March 22 advanced by a voice vote the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. The legislation now awaits full Senate consideration.
Sponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), the bill targets the function of the Federal Maritime Commission. It would require carriers to issue certain reports to the commission each quarter and would authorize the commission to self-initiate certain investigations partly related to late fees. It also would pave the way for the registration of shipping exchanges, among other provisions.
