FMC Holds First Meeting of the National Shipper Advisory Committee

Individuals who represent companies importing and exporting cargo to and from the United States gathered virtually Wednesday for the inaugural meeting of the Federal Maritime Commission’s National Shipper Advisory Committee.

The Committee was created by Congress as part of legislation enacted into law earlier this year.  The purpose of the Committee is to advise the FMC on policies relating to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity, and fairness of the international ocean freight delivery system.  The Committee will be responsible for identifying the scope of its work and for providing its advice, reports, and recommendations to the Commission.

The Committee also exists as a resource for the FMC to consult.  Members were asked at today’s meeting to begin discussions on three broad categories of interest to the FMC: information sharing and transparency; cargo fees and surcharges; and current conditions in the supply chain.

Part of the first meeting was devoted to organizational and administrative tasks.  Prior to the meeting, members elected Brian Bumpass, Brenntag North America, and Michael Symonanis, Louis Dreyfus Company, as the Committee’s Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

Minutes of Wednesday’s meeting will be posted for the public on the FMC’s website after they are certified.

Members of the Committee represent retailers, agricultural producers, food and beverage companies, and ocean transportation intermediaries.  Committee members are appointed for three-year terms that expire December 31, 2024.

Future meetings of the Committee will be announced on the FMC’s website and in the Federal Register.