This report is a culmination of over three years of work evaluating the system of data communication within the industry involved in international liner shipping. It has been a labor of love, source of frustration, and perhaps an opportunity for change. The current system of information sharing in the overseas trade sustaining our economy is abysmal.
However, the complexity of geopolitical events and operational challenges facing the industry necessitate a level of forbearance. It is my view that standards need to be set in place to avoid potentially billions of dollars in economic loss caused by inefficiency, delay, and missed business opportunity. I believe that these recommendations provide a commonsense delineation of the minimum standards of performance to facilitate the movement of our commerce.
The recommendations do not call for the creation of a national database. They do not require additional information to be provided more than what is collected now.
The recommendations are simply to require ocean carriers to provide real time information on the scheduling of shipping services and in transit visibility with estimated arrivals at U.S. ports. The recommendations also harmonize the terminology used in international transportation on containerized cargo. The adoption of these reasonable requirements will save our Nation billions of dollars.
Since this is my last day on the Commission, I will cede the responsibility of pursuing further change to the shipping public. I would ask my colleagues on the Commission to consider finishing public outreach by pursuing public comment of the additional questions in the report and consider solicitation of public comment on these final recommendations. It is my sincere hope that the final recommendations move forward to public consideration and evaluation by the Commission for issuance of a rulemaking.
I want to thank all of those who provided their time and expertise. Without this all of this, this initiative would have been in vain.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel
Carl W. Bentzel is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.