Bill > HR666

This bill amends existing transportation law to define what constitutes a "reasonable rate" for noncontiguous domestic ocean trade, which typically involves shipping between the continental United States and noncontiguous regions like Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 13701(d) of Title 49 of the United States Code by establishing that a shipping rate is considered reasonable if it falls within 10 percent of a comparable international ocean rate index that is recognized by the Federal Maritime Commission. This means that shipping companies operating in noncontiguous routes would have a clear, quantitative standard for determining whether their rates are fair, potentially providing more transparency and predictability in maritime shipping pricing for these geographic areas. The bill aims to provide a straightforward mechanism for evaluating shipping rates in regions that are not connected to the mainland United States by land.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/666/all-info