Schneider highlights takeaways from SSGA DC meetings

Ahead of Soy Connext, an SSGA delegation met with policymakers and agency leaders in Washington, D.C., to advance the association’s transportation and program priorities.

The delegation was led by Jennifer Schneider, newly appointed chair of SSGA’s Competitive Shipping action team, and Gary Williams, SSGA’s director of transportation & regulatory affairs. They held meetings with Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioners Max Vekich, Rebecca Dye and Daniel Maffei focusing on issues such as Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-built ships, earliest return dates (ERDs) and container availability at inland intermodal points.

Schneider emphasized the positive and collaborative nature of the discussions. A central takeaway was the critical importance of documentation, especially regarding ERDs. FMC Commissioners encouraged SSGA to continue tracking and collecting concrete, evidence-based examples of issues being experienced, their frequency and the impact on business operations to better communicate the actual effects exporters are experiencing.

“What really jumped out to me during my first time in D.C. with SSGA was the willingness of everyone to listen and share pathways that can be followed for seeking solutions,” said Schneider, who works at Puris in Randolph, Minn. “FMC commissioners gave great suggestions on how to navigate within FMC with ERD suggestions. Going forward, documentation will be a key priority for the Competitive Shipping action team and SSGA members.”

SSGA also shared progress on programs with the St. Lawrence Seaway Trade Revitalization program, meeting with newly appointed Administrator Mike McCoshen of the U.S. St. Lawrence Seaway Administration and key staff, as well as with others discussing this and other priorities of SSGA and its Competitive Shipping action team. The visits underscored the importance of collaboration with other organizations on policy and regulatory issues.

During a meeting with Allison Rivera, Vice President, Government and Legislative Affairs for National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), the participants found common ground on several issues, including higher trucking weights across the nation for transporting agricultural goods. SSGA has been a voice for requesting pressure on U.S. Trade Representative to answer questions and provide clarity on the section 301 tariffs, particularly questions provided by the NGFA.

SSGA’s meetings in Washington also included visits with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service staff to provide updates and discuss plans for the High Quality Specialty Grains (HQSG) program. Congressional outreach included staff briefings for Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL).