§55107 Empty Cargo Containers and Barges

Summary

Homeland Security can make rules that let ships move certain empty containers and gear without following another shipping requirement. It covers empty cargo and lift vans, empty shipping tanks, equipment used with those items, empty barges carried aboard a ship and their non‑propulsion gear, some empty international instruments that are exempt from customs, and stevedoring equipment and material. Those exceptions only apply when the items are owned or leased by the ship’s owner or operator and are moved for use in handling the ship’s foreign‑trade cargo. Stevedoring gear can also be owned or leased by the contracted stevedoring company and must be moved free of charge for handling foreign‑trade cargo. For foreign‑flag ships, Homeland Security must confirm, after checking with the Secretary of State, that the other country gives the same privileges to U.S. ships.