[SENATE & HOUSE]
Background
COVID-19 and its fallout have greatly impacted the fresh produce supply chain. As a result, there are significant delays in delivering fresh produce to customers, both at the retail level and wholesale level. Many of these challenges are rooted in the lack of labor, port congestion, input cost, road transportation, as well as some regulatory challenges.
Key Facts
- 82,000 driver shortage in the United States
- Cost increase of 40-60% in trucking cost
- 100 – 500% increase in Marine Freight Cost
Talking Points
Two important ask that Congress can help the produce industry includes working out differences with the Ocean Reforms Shipping Act and send the final bill to the President. In addition, encourage the Department of Transportation to accept applications for the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP).