Cargo Preference Laws and Regulations

This page provides more details about many Cargo Preference laws and regulations. It is not exhaustive and does not necessarily cover all scenarios and situations. For additional information, contact the Office of Cargo and Commercial Sealift.

Military Cargo

Per the Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904, items procured for, intended for use by, or owned by military departments or defense agencies must move exclusively (100 percent) on U.S.-flag vessels, unless the rates are excessive or otherwise unreasonable for...

Shipping Guidance for Cargo Financed by the EXIM Bank

This page lists high-level shipping guidance for cargo subject to EXIM cargo preference laws, per PR-17. Along side Civilian Agencies Cargoes (considered any non-Agricultural cargo or cargo governed by the Military Cargo Preference Act), MARAD enforces the EXIM...

Civilian Agency Statistics – Reports

GRAND TOTALS BY FISCAL YEARFY 1999 – FY 2008

ANNUAL TOTALS WITHIN PROGRAMSFY 1999 – FY 2008

PROGRAMS – SUMMARIESFY 2008FY 2007FY 2006FY 2005FY 2004

COUNTRY BY PROGRAMFY 2008FY 2007FY 2006FY 2005

Civilian Agencies Cargo

The Cargo Preference Act of 1954 applies to all government-impelled cargo moving in international ocean trade, specifically "Civilian Agencies" cargo, that is:

Agricultural Cargo

The Cargo Preference Act of 1954 46 USC §55305 requires that at least 50 percent of the gross tonnage of all Government-generated cargo, including Agricultural commodities, be transported on privately owned, U.S.-flag commercial...

Supplemental Guidance

The documents below provide supplemental guidance for shippers and carriers of Government-impelled cargo.

Cargo Preference

Cargo Preference is the general term used to describe the U.S. laws, regulations and policies that require the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that...

U.S. Merchant Marine Flag Program

The Merchant Marine Flag Program loans USMM flags and authorizes the use of USMM logos to qualifying institutions for public display alongside other flags of the United States Armed Forces. Displaying these Merchant Marine emblems...

Submission of MSP Schedule 310

Per 46 CFR 296.32, owners/operators of a U.S.-flag vessel(s) participating in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) are required to submit vessel operating cost information via the Schedule 310 form (MA-172), a "Vessel Operating Statement of Berth Line Operations."

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