The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has signed two stakeholder letters, in favor of the proposed new Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 and another supporting the Americans for Free Trade coalition’s bid to address unfair tariffs from China.
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 seeks to address longstanding port disruption, made worse by the pandemic and which is costing forwarders punitive demurrage penalty fees. AfA hopes that the proposed legislation will reduce fees to freight forwarders, their clients, and truck operators.
AfA is backing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 as many of its members are full-service freight forwarders offering a variety of transportation options, including ocean.
The Americans for Free Trade (AFT) letter supports congressional action on legislation that aims to help US businesses and workers compete globally, including with Chinese businesses.
AfA executive director, Brandon Fried said: “The pandemic taught us that global supply chains are not only interconnected, but require collaborative efforts between forwarders, airlines, ocean carriers, truckers, and railroads.”
He added: “As the Ukraine crisis accelerates, there is a significant need for increased logistical cooperation by all participants to make sure that essential medical supplies, food, and other vital materials reach those who need them most. Without a collaborative approach, the efficient distribution of these products would not be possible.”