IRVINE, CA - Shortly following the United States Congress’ passing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), President Biden officially signed the bill into law. With the signing of this act, officials hope to bolster U.S. enforcement against uncompetitive carrier practices and improve transparency for exporters. As proactive supporters of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, Western Growers and International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) issued statements on this pivotal decision.

“Western Growers is very pleased to see the Ocean Shipping Reform Act signed into law, as it will help ensure fairer shipping practices and standards for our agricultural exports,” Western Growers President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Puglia stated. “The ongoing supply chain and port challenges are restricting our farmers’ ability to reach overseas opportunities.”

Puglia continued, adding how the bill will directly help exporters.

“This bill provides much-needed improvements to the maritime shipping environment, which has increasingly become too unpredictable and costly for our exporters to remain competitive,” he noted. “We remain committed to pushing back against unreasonable rejections and other actions that are harmful to our shippers.”

According to a press release from Western Growers, OSRA will:

• Prohibit carriers from ‘unreasonably’ refusing export cargo bookings as defined by the Federal Maritime Commission
• Prohibit carriers from imposing fees that don’t comply with federal regulations
• Prohibit carriers from improperly charging detention and demurrage, and shifts the burden of proof onto the carriers rather than the shipper
• Strengthen the Federal Maritime Commission’s ability to investigate complaints and levy penalties
• Require U.S. Department of Transportation to work with supply chain stakeholders on identifying new or improved inland port and container staging opportunities

“I appreciate the bipartisan efforts in both chambers to move this bill forward. WG especially applauds the efforts of Reps. John Garamendi and Dusty Johnson, who were instrumental in setting this important legislation in motion and have been unwavering in their support of our farmers,” Puglia continued. “I thank the Administration for its support and swift enactment of OSRA, and I look forward to similarly immediate action by the Federal Maritime Commission to wield its new authorities on behalf of U.S. exporters.”

IFPA’s Robert Guenther also issued a statement on the passing of OSRA.

“This bill will provide much-needed relief for the nation’s ports, which our industry heavily relies on for efficient ocean transport of fresh produce,” Guenther, the Chief Public Policy Officer, commented in IFPA’s release.

Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer of IFPA, attended the signing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act at the White House on Thursday afternoon.

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Western Growers International Fresh Produce Association