MARITIME ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES U.S.-FLAG SERVICES WEB SITE

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES U.S.-FLAG SERVICES WEB SITE    The U.S. Maritime Administration's office of cargo preference has set up a web site providing information on U.S.-flag international services.
   The web site, at https://www.marad.dot.gov/usflag , aims to help exporters and importers to locate U.S.-flag ships to carry cargo to designated points around the world.
   Under the new system, the shipper simply selects from a drop-down menu the country of final destination of its cargo. Once the country has been identified, a database appears of U.S.-flag carriers who serve that trade route, containing the carrier's name, frequency of calls and points of contact with web site information.
   “Using U.S.-flag vessels to ship your cargo and goods not only strengthens America's economic security but also ensures availability of vessels and trained mariners for our defense security,” MarAd said.
   The office of cargo preference is responsible for monitoring and ensuring adherence to the U.S. cargo preference laws and regulations.