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

Byer said, “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.”

Byer went on to thank Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) for introducing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. He also thanked Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) for introducing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which is a bipartisan bill that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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

For more information on NACD, visit www.nacd.com.