Meera Joshi, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration deputy administrator, visited the Port of New York & New Jersey Wednesday to discuss ongoing supply chain disruptions after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joshi met with leaders from the port authority as well as officials from the New Jersey Motor Truck Association, the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers, and Maher Terminals.
Topics discussed included delays related to the return of empty containers, road congestion, and a record increase in cargo volume. Joshi also discussed the $17 billion investment in ports included in the American Jobs Plan.
“The pandemic has presented unprecedented economic challenges, including supply chain disruption,” Joshi said. “It’s vitally important as a nation that we address these challenges using the tools at our disposal to minimize the impacts on workers, consumers, and businesses and bolster a strong economic recovery. Today’s visit is critical in learning directly from port leaders and motor carriers about how we can help alleviate supply chain challenges while ensuring our roadways, including the ports, remain safe for truck drivers and all road users.
The Biden Administration launched the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force last week. The task force will use the entire federal government to address near-term supply/demand mismatches. Agencies will meet with stakeholders all month.