A Conversation with FMC Chairman Laura DiBella

August 20, 2026 · Virtual town hall

Freight businesses work across transportation modes, while the responsibilities of federal agencies follow distinct statutory boundaries. Direct discussion with agency leadership can help the industry understand those responsibilities and explain where challenges arise across the supply chain.

The Airforwarders Association hosted a virtual town hall with Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella on August 20, with participation alongside the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Transportation Intermediaries Association, and Customized Logistics and Delivery Association.

Making room for industry questions

The format centered on the Chairman’s perspective on supply chain conditions and an exchange with members. It provided an opportunity for organizations with different roles in cargo movement to bring their concerns into the same discussion.

For businesses, the value of this kind of engagement is a clearer understanding of agency responsibilities and an opportunity to explain operating problems in concrete terms.

Diakon’s contribution

Diakon Partners Managing Partner Michael Taylor supported coordination of the town hall and industry participation in his role as AfA Government Relations Director. His work included helping develop questions reflecting the concerns of participating organizations and following up after the event.

The engagement reflects a central part of effective public affairs work: creating a useful exchange between policymakers and the people affected by their decisions, with questions grounded in business operations.

Event information

View the original event announcement. AfA’s August newsletter subsequently reported on the town hall.