The Auto Care Association and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) have selected Steve Hughes to serve on the Federal Maritime Commission’s National Shipper Advisory Committee.

The charter of the newly formed committee is to advise the commission on policies relating to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity and fairness of the international ocean freight delivery system. The committee will be comprised of 12 representatives of entities that export cargo and 12 representatives of entities that import cargo. 

This partnership with Hughes will provide representation of the views of automotive and commercial-vehicle suppliers. Hughes has more than 45 years of experience as a supply chain professional, with extensive experience in ocean shipping. He is recognized throughout the automotive industry as a leading authority on international ocean freight, where he continues to advise and educate industry executives on ocean shipping issues. 

In a joint statement, MEMA President and CEO Bill Long and Auto Care President and CEO Bill Hanvey said, “Automotive vehicle suppliers represented by MEMA and Auto Care imported $76.4 billion through U.S. ports during 2019. Many of these goods were subject to further value-added manufacturing in this country. Furthermore, exports through the nation’s ports in 2019 totaled $21 billion. The ability of our ports to function is essential to our nation’s economy. Mr. Hughes’ representation on this committee is vital to our industry and the future of manufacturing in the U.S.”