Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Cargo Preference

U.S.-flag Services

Welcome to the U.S. Flag Services section of the Office of Cargo and Commercial Sealift.

We have provided several areas of information for your use. You’ll find a listing of U.S. Flag Carriers which will include contact information and website links. If you want to see an alphabetical...

Submission of Cargo Preference Schedule 310 and MA-1025

Owners/operators of a U.S.-flag vessel(s) participating in the Cargo Preference program are required to submit annual vessel operating and capital cost information per 46 CFR 382.2. Submit operating cost information in the format stipulated in 46 CFR 232.1, on Schedule 310 of Form MA- 172....

Shipper Recognition Program

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...

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...