Description

NCBFAA Transportation Committee Spotlight: 2025 Wins, 2026 Priorities & Industry Insights

Host: Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):

• Kim Calicott — NCBFAA Transportation Committee Chair - LinkedIn
• Rich Roche — NVOCC Subcommittee Chair - LinkedIn
• Donna Kavanaugh — Export Compliance Subcommittee Chair- LinkedIn

Published: November 26, 2026

Length: ~ 44 min.

Presented by: Global Training Center — globaltrainingcenter.com

Episode Summary

In this special collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Simply Trade launches a multi-episode series highlighting the critical work of NCBFAA committees. This episode features the Transportation Committee, covering NVOCC activity, export compliance, air freight, logistics, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

Host Lalo Solorzano speaks with committee chair Kim Calicott, along with subcommittee leaders Rich Roche (NVOCC) and Donna Kavanaugh (Export Compliance). The group breaks down the major wins and challenges of 2025, key regulatory shifts, and what members should expect heading into 2026.

Key Learnings & Themes
1. Transportation Committee Overview

Kim explains the structure of the Transportation Committee and its four subcommittees:

• NVOCC Subcommittee (Rich Roche): Guidance on OSRA, FMC rulemaking, D&D billing, “clear as mud” interpretations, and a forthcoming NVOCC Best Practices Working Group.

• Export Compliance Subcommittee (Donna Kavanaugh): Monitoring regulatory activity from BIS, OFAC, Census, CBP, and DDTC while educating members on practical impacts.

• Air Freight Subcommittee (Donna Mullins): Infrastructure modernization efforts, partnership with the Airforwarders Association (AFA), and involvement in a GAO study on air cargo facility conditions.

• Logistics Committee: Watching driver shortages, truck/equipment tariff impacts, Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) development, and alignment with international systems like ICS2.

2. 2025 Regulatory Swing

Highlights include:

• FMC’s D&D Final Rule implementation and the section struck down by the courts.

• BIS tightening China-related controls and reevaluating rules inherited from prior administrations.

• Pause on the significant Affiliates Rule, which may reemerge in 2026.

• Changing rules related to firearms, AI, and Syria sanctions.

• “Clear as mud” advisory responses from FMC’s General Counsel.

3. Advocacy That Makes a Difference

NCBFAA’s early engagement with agencies prevents harmful regulatory outcomes—such as removing unintended burdens on NVOCCs in OSRA’s original wording.

4. Encouragement for New Participants

Both Kim and Donna stress:

• No one starts out knowing everything

• Every question matters

• Committee involvement accelerates growth and strengthens the industry

• The association thrives on collaboration across company size, mode, and experience level

5. Looking Ahead to 2026

Key upcoming items include:

• Launch of the NVOCC Best Practices Working Group

• Ongoing work on EEM and air cargo modernization

• BIS rule reviews after the Affiliates Rule pause

• Continued focus on driver shortages and equipment tariffs

• NVOCC Day 2026 in New Orleans on January 22

Takeaways for Listeners

• NCBFAA membership is valuable for all trade professionals—brokers, forwarders, logistics providers, and affiliates.

• Exporting remains highly regulated and rapidly evolving—missteps can be significant.

• Committee participation is one of the most impactful ways to deepen knowledge and support industry-wide improvements.

• Agencies are shifting priorities quickly; staying informed is essential.

Resources Mentioned

Here are all referenced agencies, programs, and industry groups with embedded official links:

NCBFAA & Industry Associations

• NCBFAA — ncbfaa.org

• Airforwarders Association (AFA) — airforwarders.org

• Government Accountability Office (GAO) — gao.gov

Regulatory Agencies

• Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) — fmc.gov

• Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) — bis.doc.gov

• Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) — home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/ofac

• U.S. Census Bureau (AES/Exports) — census.gov/foreign-trade/aes

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — cbp.gov

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — tsa.gov

• Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC / ITAR) — pmddtc.state.gov

Regulations / Programs

• OSRA – Ocean Shipping Reform Act — FMC OSRA Overview

• Demerage & Detention (D&D) Final Rule — FMC Rulemaking

• Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) — CBP EEM Information

• ICS2 – EU Import Control System 2 — European Commission ICS2

Credits

Host:
Lalo Solorzano — Global Training Center

Guests:

• Kim Calicott — LinkedIn

• Rich Roche — LinkedIn

• Donna Kavanaugh — LinkedIn

Presented by:
Global Training Center — Website / LinkedIn

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