National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer issued the following statement today welcoming the introduction of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 in the U.S. Senate.

“Throughout the pandemic, while product shortages persist throughout the entire supply chain, ocean shipping companies have reaped record profits on the backs of small business and chemical distributors. Unfair ocean shipping practices have pushed many NACD members to financial distress while they work to import products necessary for the health and wellness of our country. It is clear, we need reform now.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 will go far in strengthening the Federal Maritime Commission’s current enforcement abilities, expanding its authority to ensure industry-wide compliance with federal law, and establishing a streamlined process for addressing demurrage and detention complaints.

NACD thanks Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) for introducing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 in the Senate. We also want to thank Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) for their leadership in introducing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, a bipartisan bill that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming support.

NACD proudly endorses this desperately needed legislation and calls on the Senate and House to work together to move legislation forward quickly.”