Which law gives the Secretary of Transportation authority over the International Safe Container Act?

The International Safe Container Act, which is aimed at promoting safety standards for intermodal shipping containers, is governed under the authority given to the Secretary of Transportation by 46 USC. This section of the United States Code pertains specifically to shipping and navigable waters, emphasizing safety and regulations that are crucial for the proper functioning of maritime transport. The statute outlines responsibilities related to the design, construction, and safety of containers to ensure they meet internationally accepted standards.

The character and jurisdiction of 46 USC highlight its specific application to marine transportation and the maritime sector, which is where the International Safe Container Act plays a significant role. It fuels the framework that the Secretary of Transportation operates within, leveraging this authority to enforce regulations that protect both the integrity of cargo and the safety of maritime operations.

In contrast, although 49 USC refers to transportation more broadly, it mainly focuses on land-based transport and matters not specifically tied to international shipping container safety. Public Law 95-208 may relate in some context but doesn't directly provide authority to the Secretary of Transportation over the International Safe Container Act, and Title 49 of CFR, while relevant to federal regulations surrounding transportation, does not pinpoint the specific congressional authorization required in this instance.