§ 1701. Declaration of policy
The purposes of this chapter are—
(1)
to 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)
to 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;
(3)
to encourage the development of an economically sound and efficient United States-flag liner fleet capable of meeting national security needs; and
(4)
to promote the growth and development of United States exports through competitive and efficient ocean transportation and by placing a greater reliance on the marketplace.