Us Code § 40101 - Purposes

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 40101 — Purposes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 40101. Purposes

The purposes of this part are to—

(1) establish a nondiscriminatory regulatory process for the common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States with a minimum of government intervention and regulatory costs;

(2) ensure an efficient, competitive, and economical transportation system in the ocean commerce of the United States;

(3) encourage the development of an economically sound and efficient liner fleet of vessels of the United States capable of meeting national security needs and supporting commerce; and

(4) promote the growth and development of United States exports through a competitive and efficient system for the carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States, and by placing a greater reliance on the marketplace.

(Pub. L. 109–304, §7, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1523; Pub. L. 117–146, §2, June 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 1272.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
40101 46 App.:1701. Pub. L. 98–237, §2, Mar. 20, 1984, 98 Stat. 67; Pub. L. 105–258, title I, §101, Oct. 14, 1998, 112 Stat. 1902.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Par. (2). Pub. L. 117–146, §2(1), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "provide an efficient and economic transportation system in the ocean commerce of the United States that is, insofar as possible, in harmony with, and responsive to, international shipping practices;".

Par. (3). Pub. L. 117–146, §2(2), inserted "and supporting commerce" after "needs".

Par. (4). Pub. L. 117–146, §2(3), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: "promote the growth and development of United States exports through competitive and efficient ocean transportation and by placing a greater reliance on the marketplace."


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effects on Certain Agreements and Contracts

Pub. L. 98–237, §20(d), Mar. 20, 1984, 98 Stat. 90; Pub. L. 105–258, title I, §117(1), Oct. 14, 1998, 112 Stat. 1914, provided that: "All agreements, contracts, modifications, licenses, and exemptions previously issued, approved, or effective under the Shipping Act, 1916 [former 46 U.S.C. App. 801 et seq., see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of this title], or the Shipping Act of 1984 [former 46 U.S.C. App. 1701 et seq., see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of this title], shall continue in force and effect as if issued or effective under this Act, as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 [Pub. L. 105–258, Oct. 14, 1998, 112 Stat. 1902], and all new agreements, contracts, and modifications to existing, pending, or new contracts or agreements shall be considered under this Act, as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998."

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 40101 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 40101. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 40101

What does United States Code § 40101 cover?

Section 40101 ("Purposes") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 40101?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 40101" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 40101 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.