Why Shipping
American Matters

When American companies commit to Ship American standards and ship on U.S.-flag vessels, they strengthen the maritime industry that supports American jobs, resilient supply chains, and national security.

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The Choice

The Shipping Choices That Shape America's Future

Global supply chains are changing, and the ability to move goods reliably has become a national priority.

Today, most American cargo moves on foreign-flag vessels. The shipping choices companies make today will help determine whether the United States maintains a strong maritime industry tomorrow.

Ship American Council

Ship American:
Building a Better Future

American Jobs

U.S.-flag vessels are crewed by American mariners and supported by a nationwide workforce of port operators, shipyards, logistics professionals, and maritime workers.

Economic Security

Reliable shipping capacity helps ensure that the goods Americans depend on—from energy and agriculture to manufacturing and consumer products—move safely and efficiently.

Trade Associations

A strong U.S.-flag fleet provides the maritime capability the United States relies on in times of crisis, supporting both military operations and emergency response.

The Risk

When Supply Chains Fail

From pandemic disruptions to geopolitical conflict, Americans have seen how fragile global supply chains can be.

When shipping networks fail, the consequences reach every household, business, and community.

Fragmented capacity

The Opportunity

When We Ship American

A strong U.S.-flag fleet helps ensure the United States retains the shipping capacity, speed, and reliability needed to move critical goods when global supply chains face disruption.

Shipping American helps strengthen the resilient supply chains that power the American economy and support everyday life across the country.

Resilient capacity

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Help Strengthen America’s Maritime Future

The strength of the American maritime industry depends on the choices made by American companies and industry leaders.

The Ship American Council exists to recognize and support those efforts—and to ensure the importance of U.S.-flag shipping remains visible for generations to come.