ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands (USTCNS) --- The Military Traffic Management Command is in the process of centralizing its European-based Ocean Cargo Clearance authorities.

The workload of the last office still functioning, the Ocean Cargo Clearance Authority - South, Naples, Italy, will be centralized May 31 at MTMC's 598th Transportation Group, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Earlier, the office's booking of cargo on ships from Africa and the Middle East had been transferred to Rotterdam.

The decision to consolidate the offices is a result of reduced freight shipment and enhanced automation, said Col. John Brown, commander, 598th Transportation Group.

The Naples office is the last one supporting export cargo bookings and quality assurance activities in Europe, the Middle East, Southwest Asia and Africa. All have been centralized in Rotterdam.

The authority offices had the responsibility of coordinating between the different U.S. military units and the ocean carriers to ensure timely delivery. The authority is also responsible for monitoring carrier and shipper compliance with the Universal Service Contracts.

"The Ocean Cargo Clearance Authority will be co-located with the 598th Transportation Group which also promotes efficiency," said Brown.

Department of Army Regulation JP 4-01 requires U.S. military shippers to offer cargo for international shipments through MTMC booking offices.

Originally, the Military Sealift Command performed the ocean cargo clearance duties. The responsibility was transferred to MTMC in 1981. At one time, the Ocean Cargo Clearance Authority had offices in Bremerhaven, Germany; Naples, Italy; and Felixstowe, United Kingdom.

The centralization process started with the move of Ocean Cargo Clearance Authority -North from Bremerhaven, Germany, to Rotterdam in June 1989. The responsibilities in the United Kingdom moved to Rotterdam in August 1998.

(FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)