Noncontiguous Shipping Relief: Lower Costs for Remote US Areas
This act aims to reduce shipping costs for goods to and from US areas not directly connected by land, like Hawaii or Alaska. It allows the use of foreign-flagged cargo vessels, potentially leading to lower product prices and greater availability of goods for residents in these regions. It also introduces new rules for employment and workplace safety on these vessels.
Key points
Allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport goods to and from noncontiguous US areas, potentially lowering shipping costs.
Requires US citizens to be employed on foreign vessels operating under these new provisions.
Establishes new rules for worker injury compensation for vessel crews, including the option to participate in the US workers' compensation system.
All vessels, regardless of flag, must comply with US and international environmental standards and minimum labor standards.
Foreign entities irregularly engaged in US domestic coastwise trade must appoint an agent for service of process, comply with US laws (including tax and environmental), and document their operations.
Expired
Citizen Poll