§ 1701. Declaration of policy

The purposes of this chapter are—

(1) to establish a nondiscriminatory regulatory process for the common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States with a minimum of government intervention and regulatory costs;

(2) to provide an efficient and economic transportation system in the ocean commerce of the United States that is, insofar as possible, in harmony with, and responsive to, international shipping practices;

(3) to encourage the development of an economically sound and efficient United States-flag liner fleet capable of meeting national security needs; and

(4) to promote the growth and development of United States exports through competitive and efficient ocean transportation and by placing a greater reliance on the marketplace.

U.S. Code

§ 1701. Declaration of policy