REP. KUSTOFF INTRODUCES THE IMPROVING CHASSIS CAPACITY FOR MEMPHIS' SUPPLY CHAIN ACT

Statement

Today, U.S. Reps. David Kustoff (TN-08), Rick Crawford (AR-01), and Steve Cohen (TN-09), introduced the Improving Chassis Capacity for Memphis' Supply Chain Act. This legislation addresses the shortage of chassis, which are special trailers used to transport shipping containers. It directs the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a request for a private company to develop an operating model for a shared chassis pool at or near the rail ramps in Memphis, Tennessee. This bill gives the private sector an opportunity to provide recommendations based on stakeholders' experiences to improve the flow of freight throughout the United States.

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced identical legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"The Memphis region, known as America's Distribution Center, plays a critical role in the movement of freight and goods across the country and globe. Unfortunately, the United States is currently experiencing serious supply chain disruptions. One of the primary causes of this crisis is due to the lack of chassis needed to move containers from ports and rail facilities. This not only slows the flow of freight, but it also increases the cost of products for shippers and consumers in Tennessee and across our nation," said Rep. Kustoff. "My bill will encourage collaboration between logistics stakeholders to help modernize chassis provisioning and increase freight capacity. More importantly, it will allow the private sector to step into this process and help enhance the movement of freight in the Memphis region. I thank Senator Blackburn for joining me in introducing this much needed legislation, and I look forward to its quick passage."

"The Memphis region has long served as an essential distribution center for American goods to travel to the rest of the world as well as connecting Arkansans to the global economy. Developing an interoperable chassis pool near the International Port of Memphis is a necessary first step to addressing the shortage of chassis that persists and contributes to the larger supply chain crisis affecting all Americans. It is imperative for the Arkansas economy that our producers have access to the global market and critical to our national security that we work to alleviate supply chain constraints by harnessing the power of the private sector," said Rep. Crawford.

"According to the Memphis Chamber, this bill will help to improve efficiency in the movement of goods through America's Distribution Center. Increasing freight capacity through a city with critical rail lines linking the country and increasing the availability of chassis should be good for Memphis," said Rep. Cohen.

Source