Summary

Amends existing U.S. cargo-preference rules to require the Department of Transportation (DOT) — and recipients of DOT financing — to take necessary and practicable steps to ensure that ocean cargo DOT obtains or finances is carried on U.S.-owned commercial vessels, where those vessels are available at fair and reasonable rates. The requirement applies separately by vessel type (dry bulk carriers, dry cargo liners, and tankers) and directs that 100% of the gross tonnage for each category be transported on U.S. commercial vessels, with attention to fair geographic participation. The act also provides a short title. It does not appropriate funds, set deadlines, or create new programs; its obligation is conditioned on U.S. commercial vessel availability at fair and reasonable rates and applies specifically to DOT procurements and financing for cargoes it obtains for its own account.

• Requires DOT and DOT-financing recipients to seek U.S.-flag commercial vessels for DOT-obtained/financed ocean cargo.
• Targets 100% of gross tonnage to be carried on U.S. vessels, calculated separately for dry bulk, dry cargo liners, and tankers.
• Applies only when U.S. commercial vessels are available at fair and reasonable rates for such service.
• Includes a directive to ensure fair and reasonable participation of U.S. vessels across geographic areas.
• Scope is limited to cargoes DOT obtains or finances for its own account; it does not create broad new programs or appropriate funds.
• Does not specify enforcement details, reporting requirements, or funding to cover any added costs.
• Section establishing the short title is the only other change; the rest modifies an existing cargo-preference statute.
• May increase demand for U.S.-flag shipping but only where cost and availability conditions are met.