September 23, 2024
October 1st Deadline Approaching Quickly, Formal Negotiations Have Not Yet Resumed
As IAM highlighted in earlier releases and news items last week, significant concern remains regarding the state of negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), as their contract for the U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports expires September 30th, with the ILA already having approved a strike if a new contract was not agreed to on October 1st.
Earlier this month, IAM and other industry organizations signed onto a letter requesting the Administration urge both parties to return to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations.
On Friday, House Republicans, led by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Webster (R-FL) sent a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to do everything in its power to prevent a work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could lead to “dire impacts to our supply chains, our economy, and the American consumer.” The letter was signed by 69 Members of Congress.
In support of this effort, IAM reached out to over 15 Republican offices on the House Armed Services Committee, highlighting the very real impact a strike would have on service members being relocated, their families and the broader household goods moving industry. Several HASC Members ended up joining the letter.
IAM will continue to follow and post advisories and guidance from the ports as they are made available. Georgia posted this notice covering its ports, along with the Port of NY/NJ. Please note – the issue of demurrage and detention is starting to be addressed by the ports, with NY/NJ outlining its plan (below) for charges should a strike occur.
- Cargo already in demurrage at the commencement of a strike will continue to accrue demurrage through the established tiers for the duration of the strike and until such cargo is removed from the terminal following any strike.
- Cargo still within its free time as of the commencement of a strike will have its free time frozen until the strike ends and demurrage fees will not be incurred during any strike period. Free time will resume immediately upon resumption of operations.
IAM will keep members apprised of additional developments (work stoppage or otherwise). We will also be following D&D policies implemented at the terminal/cargo level should work stoppages occur, to see if they are within the boundaries of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA).
Earlier today, the U.S. The Federal Maritime Commission reminded all stakeholders that D&D policies and framework will remain in effect in the event of a work stoppage. Click here to read their advisory.
U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to Host Third Registration Modernization Stakeholder Day
Also last week, the FMCSA announced its third Registration Modernization Day (in-person and virtual) meeting to receive additional feedback from stakeholders – motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, insurance companies, financial institutions, process agents, blanket companies, and transportation service providers; to get their perspective on improving the registration experience with FMCSA. The Stakeholder Day is scheduled for Monday, October 21st, 1-4 pm EDT. IAM will attend and similar to the prior stakeholder day, report out on the discussion.
If you would like to attend, please click here to register and for additional details. Please note – meeting space (both in-person and virtual) is limited, and will be assigned on a first-come basis.
U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Approves Legislation to Expand U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Authority
Last week, the House T&I Committee approved an amendment to H.R. 8505, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, clarifying the authority of the FMCSA to assess civil penalties for violations of laws and regulations. It would also require that brokers, freight forwarders and motor carriers provide a valid business address to the FMCSA in order to register for authority. This legislation (if ultimately passed), may assist the agency in future rulemaking processes, in addition to supporting their ongoing efforts to overhaul the current registration system.
The legislation now goes to the House floor for additional consideration.If you have questions about any of these items (or others), please reach out to Bryan Vickers with IAM’s Legislative and Regulatory team, bvickers@pacellp.com, 703-403-2882.