The U.S. House of Representatives did pass the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (OSRA) this week on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 364 – 60.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) issued a release noting their proactive efforts throughout the year helped to lead efforts to alleviate dairy supply chain disruptions, and passage of this bill took a significant step forward.
The legislation would help alleviate delays and disruptions at U.S. ports that have cost the U.S. dairy industry well over $1 billion this year.
American dairy exporters since late 2020 have faced unprecedented challenges in securing shipping container accommodations on ocean vessels while contending with record-high fees and shipping access volatility, most of which has been driven by foreign-owned ocean carriers.