OCEMA’s three-tier governance structure ensures strategic leadership, operational coordination, and specialized working-level expertise all function in alignment — from senior executives to subject-matter specialists across all member lines.
Each tier of OCEMA’s structure plays a distinct and essential role in translating member carrier knowledge into industry-leading standards and practices.
The Senior Steering Committee is composed of senior executives from each OCEMA member line. It sets the strategic direction for the association, approves all formal policy positions and publications, and provides executive oversight of all committee activity.
As the ultimate governance authority within OCEMA, the Steering Committee is responsible for identifying emerging industry issues, chartering working committees to address them, and ensuring that OCEMA’s work remains aligned with both member interests and the broader public good.
Senior leadership from all 10 member ocean carriers participate directly, ensuring all initiatives reflect operational expertise at the highest level.
All OCEMA best practices, guidelines, and public positions require Steering Committee approval, ensuring the highest level of organizational accountability.
Translates the Steering Committee’s strategic agenda into executable programs and manages the day-to-day priorities across OCEMA’s working structure.
Ensures that working committees operate in alignment, that member expertise is channeled effectively, and that output is consistent with OCEMA’s overall mission.
The Operations Council serves as the operational engine of OCEMA, bridging executive strategy with working-level execution. Comprised of senior operational managers from member lines, the Council ensures that committee work is delivered efficiently and with practical industry grounding.
The Council manages the workflow across all working committees, ensures consistent communication between tiers, and coordinates member-line participation in OCEMA’s technical and advisory activities.
Four dedicated working committees provide the subject-matter depth that powers OCEMA’s most impactful outputs — from best practice frameworks to legislative engagement.
Develops and refines best practice frameworks for container detention and demurrage processes. The committee’s work aims to bring greater clarity, consistency, and fairness to D&D practices across all OCEMA member carriers and their counterparties.
Monitors and responds to regulatory and legislative developments affecting ocean carrier equipment management in the United States. The committee coordinates member engagement with government agencies, congressional stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
Addresses operational issues related to generator sets (gensets) used to power refrigerated containers in intermodal transportation. The committee develops standards for genset maintenance, interchange, and safe operation across the U.S. intermodal network.
Coordinates OCEMA member engagement with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA), the standard contract governing equipment interchange between ocean carriers and motor carriers throughout the U.S. intermodal system.
For information about OCEMA’s committees, initiatives, or how to engage with our work, please reach out directly.