John Porcari has been made port envoy to focus on resolving the cargo ship congestion clogging US seaports. John’s role is part of the Biden-Harris task force created to target the cargo ship logjam at US seaports. John served as US Deputy Secretary of Transportation from 2009 to 2013.
Senior leadership essential for resolution of cargo ship congestion
The Department of Transportation believes the problems at the seaports need single-minded attention and leadership by an expert in this field. This is the result of far-reaching research and consultation with seaports and relevant associates over recent months. These have included:
- World Shipping Council
- Agriculture Transportation Coalition
- National Retail Federation
- Federal Maritime Commission
- Major labour unions
Measures required to alleviate strain on US seaports
In consultation with the seaports and associates, Porcari will work to resolve the logjams, distribution holdups and merchandise shortfalls the US buyers and traders are experiencing.
Enormous stress is being experienced at many US seaports on freight-transport pathways. This is headlining American media on a daily basis.
Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force has been created
A few months ago the White House announced the establishment of a task force. Led by the heads of the three relevant government departments, it is focused on resolving and avoiding future disruptions to supply chains. The task force will assemble a group of interested parties who will identify the issues, find ways to relieve the congestion, and free up supply.
Federal Maritime Commission may get increased powers
Over the past month Congress has been discussing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. This bill would set new minimum requirements for liner service contracts and give the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) greater powers.
US appoints John Porcari as envoy to Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to tackle cargo ship congestion at ports
How did the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force come to be?
In June 2021 the White House, in its work to build strong and resilient supply chains, revivify US production and encourage overall growth, made several recommendations:
- Strengthen international trade rules and trade-enforcement mechanisms
- Work with allies and partners to decrease vulnerabilities in supply chains worldwide
- Monitor near-term supply chain disruptions through the creation of a task force whose focus would be resolving current and preventing future disruptions to the supply chain
What is the mission of the taskforce
The work of this new task force is to give a holistic government answer on imminent supply chain risks affecting economic improvement. It will focus on sectors, including haulage, where a disparity between supply and demand has existed for some months.
The taskforce will be led by the Secretaries of Commerce, Transportation and Agriculture. It will gather together stakeholders to identify issues then find ways to relieve the congestion and free up supply.
What has the taskforce reported to so far
Thus far the taskforce has reviewed the diverse supply chains. Four major products have been distinguished as needing to be focused on initially and shielded from stoppages. The task force’s statements indicate the need for a different methodology in order to ensure resilient supply chains for:
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Advanced packaging
- Large capacity batteries, critical minerals and materials
- Pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients
Putting security, sustainability and resilience ahead of efficiency and low costs
Rather than putting efficiency and low costs first, the task force’s report recommends that security, sustainability and resilience should be the drivers of supply chain decision-making. This, it is believed, will revive US production and safeguard global supply chains.
The report states that over recent months the US’ economic recovery and changing market demography have put pressure on supply chains. This has further stressed US haulage and shipping networks. This clearly speaks to the problems carriers are facing today. These difficulties include soaring expenditure, massive holdups and commodity scarcity.
Re-shoring of US manufacture as a potential answer
As well as the creation of more resilient supply chains, the report strongly suggests that re-shoring manufacture to the mainland is the answer to a large number of the problems faced by the US.
What is the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force?
No quick answer for cargo ship congestion at US ports
It will take time for the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to work through the convoluted situation and its background. Its focus will primarily be on the major considerations to be resolved. Notwithstanding John Porcari’s expertise and leadership, even he will likely be unable to quickly resolve the cargo ship congestion at US ports. – with all his expertise and leadership.
Need help to avoid the cargo ship congestion?
Freight forwarding is what we do, and finding the best ways to avoid cargo ship congestion is our area of expertise. We can assist you through the Covid-caused supply chain chaos. Through us you can move your goods in a timely manner. Partnering with us, you are working with specialists who are renowned worldwide for their ability to get your cargo to where it needs to be, when it needs to be there. Feel free to contact us online or message via our Facebook page. We are happy to help.
