Waterfront trade association in USA adds muscle with the appointment of Carl Bentzel

Carl Bentzel is no stranger to the maritime and shipping industry in the USA or this site.. For over 30 years, Carl Bentzel has been at the forefront of maritime policy issues related to the USA’s supply chain landscape..

Initially nominated as a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission by President in June 2019, Bentzel was renominated for another 5-year term by President Biden in July 2024..

During his term at the FMC, Carl was instrumental in setting up several initiatives aimed at improving efficiencies within the US shipping and maritime system..

This included projects such as The Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI) which examined the issue of data and maritime commerce and developed recommendations for common data standards and lexicon and access policies/protocols..

The recommendations provided by this initiative were based on answers to common questions addressed to all participants from the fields of Trucking, Warehousing, BCOs, Chassis industry, Railroad, Federal partners, OTIs, Aggregators, Labour, IT, MTOs, and Carriers..

MTDI commentators, particularly beneficial cargo owners and consumers of intermodal carriage expressed concerns about obtaining accurate information for cargo pick-up, delivery, and receipt..

New Journey with NAWE

From December 16, 2024, Carl Bentzel will bring this expertise and knowledge to serve as the President of The National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) and as the Executive Director of the National Maritime Safety Association (NMSA)..

In a statement about his appointment, Bentzel said, “I am honored to join the National Association of Waterfront Employers and the National Maritime Safety Association in this pivotal role. As we navigate a dynamic era for our industry, I look forward to working alongside industry leaders to enhance port operations, advance workforce safety, and strengthen our collective resilience to meet evolving challenges,..

“I am also deeply thankful for my time at the Federal Maritime Commission and the opportunity to work with such dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to the success and integrity of our maritime industry,” added Bentzel..

Highlighting the critical role of NAWE’s membership in the U.S. supply chain, Bentzel expressed his commitment to educating, promoting, and advocating for overdue recognition of the industry’s value..

Bentzel emphasized that the supply chain industry has been a cornerstone in sustaining the nation’s economy and aims to ensure that U.S. policies continue to acknowledge and support the essential contributions of port and terminal operators..

August career

Carl Bentzel has previously worked as a senior counsel on maritime and transportation shipping issues and played a crucial part in developing legislation that governs international container and cargo shipping including the Ocean Shipping Reform Act..

He was one of the primary negotiators who implemented new security standards at U.S. ports in the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11 through the adoption of the Maritime Security Act of 2002l, for which he received the U.S. Coast Guard’s medal for Meritorious Public Service..

Tom Saunders, Chair of the NAWE Board and Head of Government Affairs for Ports America expressed confidence in Bentzel’s leadership, noting, “The NAWE Board conducted an extensive search process over the last several months to select the next president. Mr. Bentzel possesses the unique skills and experience necessary to lead NAWE into its next chapter”..

Saunders also highlighted NAWE’s growth since 2020, with membership nearly quadrupling and the Board of Directors doubling in size to better represent America’s waterfront employers and workers..

As NAWE President, Bentzel aims to advance policies that enhance the U.S. maritime industry’s efficiency, safety, and competitiveness.. His leadership at NMSA will further prioritize the safety and well-being of waterfront workers as the sector adapts to new technologies and evolving operational challenges..

Bentzel’s extensive experience, strategic vision, and dedication to industry collaboration position him well to steer NAWE and its members toward continued growth and success in the coming years..

Shipping and Freight Resource wishes Carl Bentzel all the very best in his new journey..

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