Ocean carrier service is utilized to handle shipments to and from noncontiguous domestic trade locations, such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam and the U. S. trust territories. Ocean carriers offer tender of rates and/or charge for transportation services for which an ocean carrier is to be compensated for handling cargo.

Ocean carrier service is utilized to handle shipments to foreign destinations in conjunction with PL-480 Title II, Food For Progress (FFP), McGovern-Dole Food for Education, and 416(b) programs. Shipments are made according to the requirements of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, and the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, which requires that at least 75 percent of the annual tonnage of all commodities under these programs be shipped on U. S. - flag vessels.

Refer to the Offering Ocean Rates/Services to KCCO notice, the Container, Barge, and Vessel Hold Inspection Requirements Title II, P.L. 480 and Section 416 Export Donations notice and Foreign Food Assistance Programs document for additional information. An Agency Letter Authorizing Steamship Company Representation should be submitted where applicable.

USDA - Kansas City Commodity Office

International Procurement Division

Procurement Support Branch

Beacon Facility - Stop 8738

P. O. Box 419205

Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6205

Telephone: 816-926-6303

Fax: 816-823-3059

Express Mail Address:

USDA - Kansas City Commodity Office

International Procurement Division

Procurement Support Branch

Beacon Facility - Stop 8738

9240 Troost Avenue

Kansas City, Missouri 64131-3055

Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.