· A new bill has been introduced into Congress to create what is known as a gray chassis pool in Memphis to help keep cargo moving. This type of chassis pool is special in the fact that it allows any chassis to be used for any container. This would force an end to alliances created between Intermodal Equipment Providers (IEP) and ocean carriers. This issue comes to congress as reviews of this known slowdown in the supply chain are also being reviewed by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
· If passed into law the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and FMC would be required to organize with shareholders to provide chassis rates, depot locations as well as other administrative needs for this gray chassis pool. The hope with proponents of this proposed law is that this will improve chassis shortages as well as eliminate the need for chassis splits for truckers. Opponents advise that shortages will not be resolved by additional availability of chassis as cargo owners are currently holding onto these chassis much longer.
· This debate is just starting for the potential gray chassis pool in Memphis. If passed into law for Memphis will other bills be introduced in other regions of the country?
Friday December 10, 2021
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