Bill Overview
Title: Improving Marine Highway Transportation Act of 2022
Description: This bill modifies the definition of marine highway transportation to include the carriage by a documented vessel of cargo that is bulk, liquid, or loose cargo loaded in tanks, holds, hoppers, or on deck.
Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or reliant on marine highway transportation
Estimated Size: 500000
- Marine transportation professionals, including those who operate and manage documented vessels, will be directly impacted as the range of commodities they can transport is expanded.
- Companies that rely on marine transport for shipping bulk, liquid, or loose cargo may see changes in logistics and cost efficiencies.
- Port authorities and coastal communities could experience economic impacts as more cargos are transported via marine highways rather than other means.
- Regulatory and legal professionals in the transportation sector may need to adapt to the modified definitions and advise their clients accordingly.
Reasoning
- Marine transportation professionals are a smaller portion of the target population but have a significant stake in the policy with a medium to high impact.
- Cost restrictions mean only a segment of the target can see major improvements; therefore, improvements in wellbeing may be more visible in areas with high marine transport activity, such as port cities.
- There's a mix of those who directly manage marine cargo logistics and those in associated industries like regulations and legal sectors who may have a lower impact.
- Balancing inputs from major seaports and smaller, more economically vulnerable inland ports are important for understanding where the real-world effects of the policy ripple through.
- Non-impact individuals are added to ensure we process effects across a spectrum and account for policy awareness reality.
Simulated Interviews
Port Operations Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will likely streamline operations at our port with more defined shipments.
- I expect to see increased cargo volumes, boosting local economy and my job security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Marine Logistics Specialist (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The change will enhance our operating capacity and possibly reduce costs.
- I hope it encourages more companies to use our services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Marine Insurance Underwriter (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy will lead to more shipments requiring insurance services.
- My job will likely become more complex but also more crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Chemical Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The redefined transport might improve the supply chain, impacting our costs positively.
- I'm cautiously optimistic about slight operational improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Environmental Policy Consultant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a step towards optimizing marine logistics, which can reduce overall emissions.
- I'm excited to see subsequent policies that may push for more sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Freight Broker (Savannah, GA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expansion in cargo definitions might bring increased business for loose cargo.
- I'm looking forward to seeing higher volumes but worry about more competition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Dock Worker (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect job security to improve with more shipments being redirected through marine lanes.
- Long-term, I'd hope for wage growth but nothing immediate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Legal Advisor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the changes may complicate regulatory compliance initially before processes are ironed out.
- Still, the potential for increased demand in regulatory services is a plus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Portland, OR)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome increased marine shipping options for better pricing despite potential initial hiccups.
- Hoping for long-term cost savings in our bulk orders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Port Authority Clerk (Biloxi, MS)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy should eventually stabilize shipping schedules and compliance, reducing stress in my role.
- More clarity would be great for our operations and workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $26000000)
Year 10: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $27000000)
Year 100: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Key Considerations
- The adjustment in the definition of marine highway transportation aims to optimize shipping logistics and potentially reduce costs.
- Environmental implications due to shifts in transport modes from roads to more eco-friendly marine options need evaluation.
- Consideration of the infrastructure improvements needed at ports and maritime facilities to handle a wider variety of cargos.