Jul 29, 2021
— "The Fact Finding Officer proposes the following interim recommendations to the Commission. These recommendations are aimed at minimizing barriers to private party enforcement of the Shipping Act, clarifying Commission and industry processes, encouraging shippers, truckers, and other stakeholders to assist Commission enforcement efforts, and bolstering CADRS’ ability to facilitate fair and fast dispute resolution. The Fact Finding Officer also fully supports the Commission’s recently announced Vessel-Operating Common Carrier Audit Program and BOE’s continuing investigations into unreasonable demurrage and detention practices."
Jul 28, 2021
— Yesterday, the U.S. CDC issued new indoor masking recommendations and guidance, based on a county's (aka, locality/city) transmission level of COVID-19, seen most frequently in the US through the spread of the delta variant. On a 4-level scale (low to highly transmissible), indoor masking is recommended for those counties falling into the "substantial" or "high" transmission rate categories. See the current U.S. county list and transmission-level ratings. The U.S. CDC will update the county transmission ratings as new data is received.
Jul 28, 2021
— Despite travel opening up to Americans heading into the EU, Schengen region and Canada, the Biden Administration has held off on permitting entry from most countries for travel to the US deemed "non-essential", due to the high rate of transmission of the delta variant. IAM, alongside dozens of travel-focused trade organizations, several Members of Congress and some federal agency representatives continue to press for a reopening path and plan for international visitors.
Jul 28, 2021
— In the open session of this morning's FMC meeting, Commissioner Rebecca Dye provided an update and an oral overview of Interim Recommendations for Fact Finding 29, tasked with reviewing and investigating international ocean transportation challenges. In addition to establishing container depots to alleviate some of the concerns raised and a continued review of detention and demurrage fee applications, she highlighted top-line interim recommendations.
Jun 9, 2021
— Yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate today passed by a vote of 68-32, S. 1260, the U.S. Competition and Innovation Act, which included a key provision directing the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that any personally identifiable information, are removed from a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle manifest, before that manifest is provided for public disclosure.
Jun 1, 2021
— The EEOC provided long-awaited formal guidance surrounding vaccine incentives and requirements, in addition to updating several FAQs. IAM has followed this area closely for member companies, as vaccine incentives, requirements and other disclosures have been under review since late last year. Employers should keep in mind potential employee limitations and provide reasonable accommodations within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
May 19, 2021
— Currently, all persons entering the U.S. from an international destination via plane, (including U.S. citizens and those fully vaccinated), are required to have and present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days prior travel, OR documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 3 months.
May 19, 2021
— Yesterday, the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee held a hearing with Gen. Stephen Lyons, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Among the topics covered by Gen. Lyons and other witnesses, was a brief update on the pending Global Household Goods Contract (GHC).
Feb 23, 2021
— First, GSA sent out a summary of Intrastate Moves Research which provides information on regulated and deregulated states and policies for moving intrastate shipments under CHAMP. The information in the summary will become effective 1 May 2021.
Second, GSA released an advisory on in response to impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on higher cost of air shipments by commercial carriers. If there are any questions, please reach out to Kim Chancellor at Kim.Chancellor@gsa.gov.
Jan 14, 2021
— Last night, the SBA announced that PPP eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets may submit both first and second draw applications beginning tomorrow, Friday, January 15th at 9 am ET. The SBA's application portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19th to participating PPP lenders of all sizes for both first and second draw loan applications.
Nov 23, 2020
— FMC approved a Supplemental Order that expands the authority of Fact Finding 29, “International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement”. Commissioner Dye will lead the FMC's efforts into further investigation of ocean carriers operating in alliances, focusing on the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Specifically, the Commission will review policies and practices related to detention and demurrage, container return and container availability.
Nov 4, 2020
— USTRANSCOM will thoroughly, fairly, and completely re-evaluate the four most competitive offers and select the one that presents the best overall benefit and the highest quality of service for our service members, DOD civilians, and their families. Each of the four finalists will be given the opportunity to submit a new written proposal and conduct an oral presentation and demonstration to the Source Selection Team in the course of this determination.
— This morning, the Trump Administration announced that community and minority owned lending institutions may begin processing PPP loan applications this Jan. 11. The program will initially reopen for first-time borrowers, and for second-time (aka "second draw") borrowers application processing to begin on Jan. 13.
