FOR RELEASE - May 21, 2008

            On Monday May 19, 2008, the Federal Maritime Commission ("Commission") held an industry briefing with the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association. The briefing afforded the Commission with the opportunity to gain a greater awareness and understanding of current issues and concerns affecting the freight forwarding and non-vessel-operating common carrier industry on the West Coast. 

            The briefing was moderated by Peter Friedmann, and attended by about twenty members of the Pacific Coast Council.  The Commissioners and staff were briefed on some of the current issues impacting the Council, including such issues as equipment shortages in the export trades and marine terminal issues. 

            The industry briefing furthered the Commission's goal of reaching out to the maritime industry in order to broaden the Commission's understanding of the events and issues shaping the various segments of the maritime industry.  The Commissioners expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to hear directly from the Council and may hold similar briefings with other industry segments in the upcoming future. 

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Press Contact:  Karen V. Gregory (202) 523-5725; e-mail:  secretary@fmc.gov