ACD Press Release

Arlington, VA – National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer issued the following statement applauding the introduction of the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 by Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD):

“Over the past year, unfair ocean shipping provider practices have led to product delays, rising costs, and inventory stock-outs that have been felt along all supply chains, driving up shipping rates and ultimately prices for consumer goods.

NACD has led the charge in calling on the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to leverage its authority to enforce the important protections already in place, including enforcing the prohibition against unfair demurrage and detention practices, among others. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 will go far in strengthening the FMC’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. NACD thanks Reps. John Garamendi and Dusty Johnson for their leadership in crafting and introducing this important bill.

Chemical distributors facilitate the movement of ingredients necessary for everyday life. Since many chemical products are no longer manufactured in the U.S., the country relies on these imported materials to function. NACD is proud to join with other critical U.S. industry associations in endorsing this important bill and we urge Congress to move it forward swiftly.”