The Maritime Administration re-established the Shipper Recognition Program in May 2003. The purpose of the awards program is to recognize quality companies that have supported the U.S. merchant marine by transporting a significant share of their international cargo on U.S.-flag vessels. The Maritime Administrator’s comments sum up how valuable these entities are to the maritime industry. He notes, “By giving a substantial portion of their international business to U.S. carriers these exporters are not only helping to maintain a merchant fleet that supports America’s economic and defense security, but also are helping to promote American export services at a time when it is vitally important for our nation.”

As a small token of appreciation, the Maritime Administration honors the recipients during appreciation ceremonies.

List of Recipients:

Ames True Temper – Harrisburg, PA
Carrier Corporation – Farmington, CT
Crompton Corporation – Middlebury, CT
Deere & Company – Moline, IL
E & J Gallo Winery – Modesta, CA
Estee Lauder Companies – Melville, NY
Fluor Corporation – Houston, TX
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company – Akron, OH
Hunter Fan – Memphis, TN
J.A. Jones International – Charlotte, NC
Lowe’s Companies – Mooresville, NC
Monsanto Company – St. Louis, MO
Mosaic Company – Plymouth, MN
New Balance – Boston, MA
Panalpina, Inc. – Foster City, CA
Perini Corporation – Framingham, MA
Philips Electronic North America Corporation – New York, NY
PPG Industries – Pittsburgh, PA
Rayonier Peformance Fibers – Jacksonville, FL
Rhodia, Inc. – Cranbury, NJ
Target Corporation – Minneapolis, MN
The Government of Israel Ministry of Defense – New York, NY
The U.S. Department of State’s Despatch Agency – Washington, DC
The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) – Warren, MI
Toys “R” Us, Inc. – Paramus, NJ
Transoceanic Shipping Company, Inc. – Kenner, LA
Unique Industries – Philadelphia, PA
Yowell International – Melbourne, FL