Commerce Committee approves shipper committee

By Bruce Abbe, strategic adviser for trade and transportation

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill on May 21 that calls for the formation of a national advisory committee to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) made up of U.S. exporter and importer shippers.

The purpose of the committee will be to advise FMC on policies and operations related to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity and fairness in ocean shipping. Once fully approved, 12 members each from the exporter and importer shipper sectors will serve three-year terms.

FMC Commissioner Rebecca Dye originally proposed and has been a strong advocate for formation of the shippers committee to help under gird the initiatives of the FMC. Shipper groups and advocates believe this to be a positive move in helping to oversee the operations of the maritime industry.

FMC’s Dye honored

FMC Rebecca Dye was honored as the Agriculture Transportation Coalition’s Person of the Year last week during the AgTC’s 32^nd annual national meeting.

SSGA is an active member of AgTC.

Dye was cited for her tireless investigative work over the past two years leading up to FMC’s recently approved “Interpretive Rules” for overseeing the validity of detention and demurrage per diem penalties, a particularly contentious issue between shippers, truckers, ocean carriers and port terminal operators.

During a virtual meeting that attracted more than 400 participants, a number of AgTC members spoke about Dye’s fairness and responsiveness.

“Most government officials seldom take the time to listen, let alone care about our issues,” said Bob Sinner, president of SB&B Foods, SSGA vice chairman and head of SSGA’s competitive shipping action team. “Rebecca, you are the ultimate exception. Not only have you been an avid listener and demonstrated how much you care by your actions, but you have also been a respected advocate for all of us. Thank you so much for your commitment.”

Said AgTC Executive Director Peter Friedmann: “Commissioner Dye’s unwavering commitment to improving our international supply chain spans three decades. … Her steadfastness through these years – to understand and improve the supply chain and to challenge threats to the U.S. shipping public – warrants Person of the Year recognition – only granted twice in the 32-year history of the AgTC.”