Jones Act
Definition
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a U.S. federal law requiring that all goods transported by sea between U.S. ports be carried on ships that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, U.S.-crewed, and U.S.-flagged.
It aims to protect the domestic maritime industry but is often criticized for inflating shipping costs and limiting competition.
Examples
Thanks to the Jones Act, shipping beer from Texas to Florida feels like funding a patriotic yacht club.
Hawaii's grocers adore the Jones Act—it's the reason pineapples arrive with a side of sticker shock.
Under the Jones Act, your Puerto Rican vacation rum might cost more than the flight, all in the name of American seafaring pride.
The Jones Act turns coastal trade into an exclusive club where only U.S. ships get the VIP pass—and everyone else pays the cover.