Breaking Barriers: How Ocean Transport Delivered Under the Jones Act Waiver for Puerto Rico
In the aftermath of one of the most devastating hurricanes to strike Puerto Rico, the island was left in dire need of immediate aid. Roads were impassable, power grids were down, and critical supplies were running out. Relief efforts faced immense logistical challenges, but an unexpected decision by the Trump administration created a rare window of opportunity: a temporary 10-day waiver of the Jones Act.
While many in the shipping and logistics industry saw the waiver as a bureaucratic formality, Ocean Transport saw an opportunity to make a real difference. In a move that stunned industry experts, we mobilized an unprecedented shipping operation that delivered much-needed supplies to Puerto Rico at a scale and speed that many thought impossible.
This is the story of how Ocean Transport turned a logistical nightmare into a supply chain miracle.
The Jones Act and the Challenge at Hand
The Jones Act, a century-old maritime law, requires that all goods transported between U.S. ports be carried on American-built, American-flagged, and American-crewed ships. While the law protects the U.S. shipping industry, it also limits the availability of vessels that can move cargo during emergencies.
With Puerto Rico in crisis, the White House issued a 10-day waiver of the law, allowing foreign-flagged ships to carry aid and supplies to the island. But there was one major problem: ten days is barely enough time to reroute and reposition international vessels, let alone execute a full-scale logistics response.
Many in the industry doubted that any company could organize meaningful relief shipments within such a short timeframe. But Ocean Transport saw an opportunity where others saw a roadblock.
The Mobilization: A Masterclass in Logistics
The moment the waiver was announced, Ocean Transport launched into action. With our deep expertise in global shipping, we knew that success would depend on precise coordination across multiple logistics networks.
1. Securing Ships & Routes
We immediately began identifying and securing foreign-flagged vessels capable of transporting emergency relief supplies. Working through our extensive NVOCC network, we secured cargo space on ships already en route in the Caribbean and redirected them toward Puerto Rico.
We also worked with breakbulk and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) carriers to ensure that not only containerized goods but also heavy equipment—such as generators, fuel trucks, and medical vehicles—could make it to the island as quickly as possible.
2. Aligning Supply Chains Under Extreme Pressure
With only days to act, Ocean Transport leveraged strategic warehousing and port networks to assemble critical relief supplies at key staging points. These included:
Fresh water and food
Medical supplies and fuel
Power generators and rebuilding materials
By working with suppliers, aid organizations, and government agencies, we streamlined customs clearance processes and minimized delays.
3. Navigating Red Tape with Precision
Shipping logistics are complex on a normal day—during a disaster, they become exponentially more challenging. The temporary nature of the Jones Act waiver meant there was zero room for error.
Ocean Transport handled:
Customs and regulatory approvals in record time
Hazardous cargo clearance for fuel and power-related shipments
Seamless coordination between U.S. and Puerto Rican port authorities
With our regulatory expertise, we cut through red tape faster than any other operator, ensuring cargo moved without bureaucratic slowdowns.
4. Dockside and Last-Mile Coordination
A major issue facing Puerto Rico was not just getting supplies to the island but getting them distributed once they arrived. Many roads were still blocked, and local infrastructure was severely damaged.
Ocean Transport worked directly with port operators, trucking companies, and relief organizations to make sure shipments didn’t just sit at the docks but made it to the people who needed them most.
A Logistics Feat Many Called a Miracle
Within days, Ocean Transport achieved what others believed was impossible:
Massive relief shipments reached Puerto Rico within the Jones Act waiver window
Critical supplies moved efficiently through ports, avoiding congestion and bottlenecks
Industry experts hailed the coordination as one of the most effective responses in modern maritime logistics
While many companies struggled to even respond to the sudden policy change, Ocean Transport had the foresight, expertise, and operational agility to act immediately—turning a 10-day window into a game-changing lifeline for Puerto Rico.
Why Ocean Transport is the Best in Crisis Logistics
The successful execution of this historic operation is just one example of why Ocean Transport stands apart in the global shipping industry.
Unmatched Speed & Agility – When the waiver was announced, we were already moving.
Deep Industry Relationships – Our network allowed us to secure ships, cargo, and port access in record time.
Regulatory Expertise – Our understanding of international shipping laws allowed us to navigate legal and logistical barriers seamlessly.
Commitment to Service – More than just a shipping company, we are a solutions provider. When lives and communities are at stake, we deliver.
The Future of Emergency Logistics
The events of this 10-day Jones Act waiver proved one thing: when the stakes are highest, Ocean Transport delivers.
Whether responding to a humanitarian crisis, orchestrating a high-stakes shipment, or navigating complex regulatory landscapes, Ocean Transport has proven that expertise, speed, and precision make all the difference.
For governments, businesses, and relief organizations looking for a trusted logistics partner, the choice is clear. Ocean Transport doesn’t just move cargo—we move mountains.
Contact us today to learn how we can turn the impossible into reality for your next shipping challenge.