Affordable Shipping for All Act
Affordable Shipping for All Act
Plain Language Summary
# Affordable Shipping for All Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Affordable Shipping for All Act would require shipping companies—both private carriers like FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service—to charge the same rates for delivering packages to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico and Guam) as they charge for shipping to the mainland United States. Currently, these remote areas often face higher shipping costs or limited service options. The bill would also prevent shipping companies from refusing to deliver to these locations altogether.
The only exception is for high-value items over $10,000. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily benefit residents and businesses in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories who currently pay premium shipping rates. It would also affect shipping companies' operations and pricing structures in these regions. Consumers and small businesses in these areas would likely see reduced shipping costs, while major shipping companies might need to adjust their business models for remote locations. **Current Status** The bill (HR 380) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Ed Case (D-HI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Affordable Shipping for All ActThis bill limits shipping services from excluding service or charging higher prices to noncontiguous areas of the United States.Specifically, private shipping services (e.g., FedEx) and the U.S. Postal Service are prohibited from charging a higher rate to ship a consumer product or producer good (e.g., raw material) to a noncontiguous area of the United States than they charge to ship the same product to and from a location within the contiguous United States. Under the bill, a noncontiguous area includes Alaska and Hawaii and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States (including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands).Additionally, such shipping services may not exclude services to such a noncontiguous location.Consumer products or producer goods valued at more than $10,000 are exempt from the requirements of this bill.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.