NCBFAA NVOCC Maritime Day 2025

NCBFAA NVOCC Day 2025

May 22, 2025 (Maritime Day), 10 AM-4 PM
Venable Office NY, 151 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

Target audience: Up-and-coming operations personnel, supervisors, and managers, as well as seasoned industry professionals seeking a refresher on fundamentals.

Agenda

*Attendees must go through building security and should plan to get there by 9:30*
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM: Opening Remarks

Pledge of Allegiance followed by reading of the Presidential Proclamation on Maritime Day.

Presented by: Rich Roche, NCBFAA NVOCC Subcommittee Chair

10:05 AM – 11:05 AM: NVOCC Liabilities & Common Errors (Legal)

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the key legal liabilities faced by NVOCCs, common mistakes to avoid, and practical strategies for mitigating compliance risks. Topics will include the critical differences in risk exposure when using an agent’s house bill of lading versus your own, even when listed as the consignee on the master bill of lading. The discussion will also address FMC record-keeping obligations, including requirements for pre-alerts and arrival notices. Additionally, the session will cover potential pitfalls such as inadequate carrier vetting, insufficient cargo insurance, and misunderstandings of international trade regulations. Participants will gain valuable insights into navigating these challenges to ensure compliant and efficient operations.

Speaker: Ashley Craig, Venable LLP

11:05 AM – 11:45 AM: Agent Vetting & Agency Agreements

Practical guidance on selecting and vetting reliable agents, structuring effective agency agreements, and ensuring compliance with industry standards will be provided during this session. It will cover best practices for mitigating liability in agency relationships, emphasizing that simply confirming an agent’s registration or license is not sufficient. Comprehensive vetting should also include reviewing the agent’s Rules Tariff and the terms and conditions of their house bills of lading. The discussion will address common risks in agency relationships, such as miscommunication, conflicting interests, and lack of transparency, while offering strategies to establish clear, enforceable agreements that protect your interests.

Moderator: Rich Roche, NCBFAA NVOCC Subcommittee Chair
Speaker: Ashley Craig, Venable LLP

11:45 AM – 12:05 PM: Co-Loading – Key Considerations & Best Practices

This session will explore co-loading, including its definition in FMC’s regulations, key responsibilities, and best practices. Topics will cover managing multi-layer NVO relationships, notating underlying NVO on the bill of lading, and assessing risk exposure when using master BLs without corresponding house BLs. Participants will learn how to effectively work with both licensed and unlicensed agents, understanding the limitations and regulatory requirements when working with each. Additionally, the session will highlight the strategic advantages of co-loading, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Practical examples and case studies will be used to illustrate successful co-loading practices, helping attendees navigate the complexities and legal considerations of these arrangements.

Moderator: Melzie Wilson, Global Zolutions
Speaker: Liz Lowe, Venable LLP

12:05 PM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break

12:30 PM – 1:20 PM: OSRA 22 and 24 Rulemakings – Leveraging Changes to Your Advantage

This session will cover the latest updates in the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) 2022 and 2024 rulemakings and examine their implications for NVOCCs. OSRA 2022 introduced significant changes aimed at promoting fairness and efficiency in the shipping industry, including new provisions for detention and demurrage billing, and enhanced data transparency requirements. OSRA 2024 builds on these reforms with additional measures to streamline regulatory compliance and further protect shippers' interests.

Speakers will discuss how these regulatory changes impact day-to-day operations, the importance of adhering to the new billing requirements, and strategies for leveraging these updates to improve operational efficiency. The session will also highlight best practices for compliance with data transparency mandates and offer practical tips for navigating the new regulatory landscape.

Speakers: Liz Lowe, Venable LLP, and Melzie Wilson, Global Zolutions

1:20 PM – 1:25 PM: Break

1:25 PM – 2:05 PM: Rules Tariffs – What NVOCCs Should Know

A practical session covering essential elements of NVOCC Rules Tariffs, which serve as a living document foundational to NVOCC’s business operations. This session will delve into creating Rules Tariffs that can be read and understood by a company’s employees and business partners involved in ocean transportation. The discussion will highlight mandatory inclusions versus recommended elements to ensure both compliance and operational efficiency. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for maintaining and updating Rules Tariffs, as well as tips for fostering awareness and understanding within their organizations. Through this exploration, participants will be equipped to create and understand robust and effective Rules Tariffs that support their business goals and regulatory requirements.

Speakers: Kim Calicott, NCBFAA Transportation Committee Chair and Ashley Craig, Venable LLP

2:05 PM – 3:05 PM: NRAs & NSAs – Strategic Use & Compliance

A comprehensive overview of NRAs and NSAs, emphasizing their strategic advantages and best practices for maintaining compliance will be provided. Attendees will gain insights into the risks of relying solely on traditional rate filings and how leveraging NRAs can reduce compliance exposure, enhance competitive positioning, and improve operational efficiencies. The discussion will include practical guidance and real-world examples, highlighting common pitfalls and effective strategies for implementing NRAs and NSAs in line with regulatory requirements.

Speaker: Rich Roche, NCBFAA NVOCC Subcommittee Chair

3:05 PM – 3:10 PM: Break

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM: NVOCC/Ocean Industry Advocacy – The Hill Initiatives

Political decisions and evolving legislation can reshape the maritime industry, directly influencing compliance, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness. This session will explore potential updates to the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), including tighter detention and demurrage billing rules, enhanced data transparency requirements, and their implications for NVOCCs. Attendees will gain insights into how these changes can streamline operations, protect shipper interests, and reduce compliance risks.

Additionally, we’ll discuss broader regulatory developments like USTR Section 301 actions and advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., which could significantly impact how NVOCCs operate, the fees they incur, and their overall regulatory landscape. Join us for practical guidance on staying ahead of these shifts, leveraging new requirements for competitive advantage, and preparing for the next wave of regulatory change.

Speaker: Ned Steiner, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg

Presentations will be available on this page after the event.

Speakers

Kim Caldicott

Kim Calicott has been with Mallory Alexander International Logistics for over 20 years and is currently the Export Compliance Manager. In this role, she oversees the company’s export compliance, CTPAT, and ISO programs, managing regulatory requirements across multiple government agencies, including those focused on sanctions, export controls, and transportation. Kim’s commitment to industry advancement is reflected in her service as Chair of the NCBFAA Transportation Committee and her active participation in the COAC Export Modernization Working Group. With over two decades of experience, Kim is dedicated to promoting efficient, compliant global trade and fostering collaboration within the global logistics community.

Ashley Craig

Ashley Craig was appointed NCBFAA Transportation Counsel on October 1, 2021. Craig is co-chair of Venable’s International Trade Group, where he maintains a diverse practice advising industry clients on domestic and international regulatory compliance concerns. He regularly appears on behalf of clients before executive branch agencies and congressional committees with oversight of global commercial matters, foreign investment, transport/logistics, and economic regulation. As an attorney, Craig has worked on transportation and logistics regulatory and legislative matters for more than two decades. His legislative experience includes, in part, the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the Trade Act of 2002, and numerous miscellaneous trade and tariff bills, as well as implementation of regulations before federal agencies.

Liz Lowe

Liz Lowe focuses on international trade and customs, and maritime/transportation and shipping issues. Liz is one of three female attorneys ranked nationally for her expertise in maritime regulatory counseling. Liz counsels U.S. and non-U.S. companies on a variety of cross-border regulatory and policy matters, transportation and logistics matters, and import/export compliance matters. Her work includes internal compliance reviews and investigations, due diligence activities, voluntary self-disclosures, responses to inquiries from federal agencies, advocacy before federal agencies, compliance training, licensing, and transportation and logistics contract review. Liz recognizes the need to understand business priorities and to provide practical compliance solutions.

Rich Roche

Rich Roche has worked in the NVOCC field for the last 31 years in Syracuse NY where he is currently Senior Vice President at Mohawk Global Logistics. He also supports the forwarding industry nationally through NCBFAA where he is Chairman of the NVOCC sub-committee. He served on three of the FMC’s Innovation Teams covering supply chain and detention & demurrage issues. He previously worked at Hapag-Lloyd, and as a licensed marine cargo insurance broker in Manhattan. Rich is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY where he received a bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science & Marine Transportation and was commissioned in the United States Naval Reserve. During his seagoing career, Rich sailed as deck officer aboard breakbulk ships, oil tankers, ro/ro’s and containerships, upgrading his license to Chief Mate of vessels any gross tons upon oceans and First Class Pilot on the Upper Bay of NY Harbor. Rich regularly appears as an expert witness in maritime related cases that include cargo claims, documentation, and contract disputes. Rich is currently serving a four-year term on the National Shippers Advisory Committee to the FMC.

Ned Steiner, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg

Edward Steiner

Edward Steiner is Senior Director, International Trade and Governmental Relations, for Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., resident in the Washington, D.C., office. Mr. Steiner has over two decades of experience in the fields of public policy and international trade and development. Mr. Steiner consults for a diverse client base including private industry, trade associations and foreign governments. He represents clients on a wide range of trade and customs policy and operational matters before the U.S. Congress and Administration, as well as other governmental and non-governmental organizations. Mr. Steiner has spoken and written on a range of trade and customs-related issues including Section 301 and 232 tariffs and tariff exclusions, ocean shipping reform, e-commerce, and product and food safety, and has conducted seminars and webinars on these subjects for audiences throughout the U.S. and overseas. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Steiner worked as a legislative aid for Californian Representatives Sam Farr and Loretta Sanchez. As Legislative Director for Rep. Sanchez - former vice chair of the House Homeland Security Committee - he helped organize the committee, including defining subcommittee jurisdictions, scheduling hearings, and directly overseeing the work of the Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee. For Rep. Farr, Mr. Steiner handled a legislative portfolio that included foreign operations appropriations, trade and tax. Mr. Steiner received his Master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in international economics and relations, and worked for more than three years as an international development professional with a specialization in post-conflict reconstruction in Washington, D.C., Guatemala and Kosovo. He has experience working in national and international development agencies, including the International Organization for Migration, the World Bank and U.S. Agency for International Development. Mr. Steiner has spent over five years studying and working overseas and is fluent in Spanish, French and Swedish.

Melzie Wilson

Melzie Wilson is CEO of The Global Zolutions, a supply chain consultant in Memphis, Tennessee. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our services offer a wide range of support from imports, exports, warehousing, FTZ, and transportation, especially around those under the FMC. CargoWise training is also a service that is available for clients as well. Licensed Customs Broker, a Certified Customs Specialist, and a Certified Export Specialist. Active member of the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association: Board of Directors – Area 7 Representative Member of the NEI Content Committee Former Chair of the Transportation Committee. Former Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee Former Chair of the Logistics Sub-Committee Former Area 7 Representative of the Board of Directors Former CESAC Representative under the Customs Committee Former Co-Chair of the Annual Conference Committee Former Member of Secretary of Commerce’s Advisory Council on Supply Chain Competitiveness Member of International Compliance Professional Association. Melzie is an avid fan of sports and especially the New Orleans Saints. Melzie still finds time to volunteer with the Hogs for the Cause Organization out of New Orleans. It is a unique barbeque competition where money is raised to assist families with children who have brain cancer. She also serves as Vice President of the World Jr BBQ League. A non-profit that focusses on young people in developing “skills beyond the grill.” She is also the Organizer of the BBQ festival in Memphis called SmokeSlam BBQ Festival.