United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

UNITED STATES 

WAREHOUSE ACT 2019 

ANNUAL 

REPORT

WAREHOUSE AND COMMODITY 

MANAGEMENT DIVISION

FAIR TRADE PRACTICES PROGRAM

MARCH 2020
CONTENTS

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

United States Warehouse Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Warehouse and Commodity Management Division Overview . . . . . . . .  

Key Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Employees and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Key Stakeholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

2019 USWA OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 

USWA Administration Realignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

FY 2019 Warehouse License and Capacity Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Warehouse Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Warehouse and Inventory Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

FY 2019 Inspector, Weigher, Classifier and Grader Licenses . . . . . . . . .  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

FY 2019 Financials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

EFFICIENCIES AND COST SAVINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Efficient Use of Personnel..

IT Modernization (eWCMD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

WCMD Cost Control Monitoring and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

FY2020 USER-FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
1

FOREWORD

The United States Department of Agriculture 

(USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is 

pleased to present the United States Warehouse 

Act 2019 Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 2019) represented 103 years 

of USDA and industry partnership dedicated to 

developing, growing, and maintaining America’s 

public commodity warehousing system through 

the provisions of the United States Warehouse Act 

(USWA)

Ongoing warehouse commodity market shifts, 

mergers, and consolidations continued in 2019

These trends were reflected in fewer warehouse 

licenses and a slight decrease in functional units 

and capacity

In 2019, USDA completed transitioning the 

administration of the USWA from the USDA Farm 

Service Agency to AMS. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture directed this change to enhance accountability and customer service in supporting t

USWA. The transition provided the opportunity to

review business practices and approach operations 

in new ways

Throughout FY 2019, USDA implemented strategies to deliver USWA services in the most financially responsible, efficient, and effective means 

possible. Emphasis was placed on streamlining

business processes, investing in the modernization of outdated and unaligned technology applications, recruiting, developing, and retaining a 

talented and flexible workforce, implementing cost 

monitoring and control systems, and ensuring an 

adequate financial reserve for the program. These

efforts enabled USDA to reduce staff time and 

costs associated with travel and administrative 

functions, improve responsiveness, accuracy, and 

quality of service, and strengthen the financial 

solvency of the program

This year’s report provides an overview of USWA 

operations, financial solvency, and efficiencies 

gained in FY 2019 (October 1, 2018 – September 

30, 2019)
2

INTRODUCTION

Serving the Agricultural Commodity Warehouse 

System Since 1916

United States 

Warehouse Act

The USWA was enacted in 1916 to stabilize and 

standardize the agricultural commodity warehouse system. The Act provides for the licensing

of public warehouse operators in the business of 

storing agricultural products, examination of such 

federally licensed warehouses, and collection of 

fees to sustain the operation and administration 

of such efforts. Participation in the USWA program is voluntary. Participants may choose t

obtain licensing under USWA to meet State or 

other industry requirements. Warehouse examiners audit the financial status, operational facility,

and the integrity of the commodities stored in the 

licensed warehouse

The USWA has been instrumental in the development, growth, and maintenance of a public commodity warehousing system. It provides a foundation for commerce and trade to build upon by

permitting Federal Reserve member-banks to give 

loans to farmers on the security of their crops that 

are warehoused in Federal storage units as collateral. Negotiable warehouse receipts, validated by

the USWA, are widely used and greatly valued by 

the public banking system, the Commodity Credit 

Corporation, and Commodity Exchanges. Regulations issued under the authority of the Act offer

protection and a safety net to agricultural producers across the United States. The Act has been a

primary tool used to facilitate standardization in 

business practices throughout the industry. Warehouse operators who apply must meet the USDA

standards established within the USWA and its 

regulations. Applicants agree to be licensed under

the USWA, to observe the rules for licensing, and 

to pay associated user-fees

The USWA requires the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to publish an annual report on the action

taken each year to minimize the fees established 

under the USWA by improving efficiencies and 

reducing costs. The 2019 USWA Annual Report

provides an overview of program operations, financial status, and actions taken to improve efficiencies and reduce costs

Warehouse and 

Commodity 

Management 

Division Overview

The USWA is administered by the USDA, AMS, 

Fair Trade Practices Program (FTPP), Warehouse 

and Commodity Management Division (WCMD)

The WCMD also conducts various activities on 

behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)

Those activities, while sometimes tangentially 

related to USWA activities, are funded separately 

through appropriations
Powered by Bing. © GeoNames, HERE, MSFT. Microsoft Excel screen sho

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Key Services

Under authority of the USWA, WCMD provides key services to the agricultural commodity industry that 

protect depositors, support inventory accuracy, and ensure accountability from commodity warehouses

Warehouses are licensed through examination of ownership and operational control, financial assurance, 

and necessary records. WCMD also licenses private industry inspectors, weighers, classifiers, and grader

WCMD controls the printing, issuance, and cancelation of paper warehouse receipts. Central filing systems

for electronic warehouse receipts and other electronic documents are licensed and audited. Examinations

of warehouses are conducted to determine the suitability of those facilities for storage of specific commodities. Inventories are compared with daily position records. Individual units are identified and examined fo

nonfungible commodities. Fiscal viability is verified through review of financial statements. WCMD collect

user-fees through a monthly statement process. Risks to depositors are minimized by seizing control, if necessary, of in-store inventories in cases of financial insolvency and caus

Organizational Structure

The WCMD is made up of four organizational components including the Division Director’s Office, the 

Examination Branch, the License and Storage Contract Branch, and the Commodity Management Branch

USWA services are delivered by staff in WCMD’s Examination Branch and the License and Storage Contract 

Branch with support provided by the Office of the Director

Employees and Locations

The WCMD staff supporting USWA activities are strategically located throughout the continental United 

States. There are field-based agricultural warehouse examiners and staff in Kansas City, MO, and Washington, DC. Staff members split their time between USWA and other program activities to maximize efficien

resource allocation

In FY 2019, USDA user-fees supported 21 staff years to support 

licensing, examinations, and general administration of the USWA 

program and activities. A staff

year represents 2,080 hours

Employees and Locations
4

Key Stakeholders

USWA stakeholders have a shared interest in protecting agricultural commodity depositors, which include 

farmers, cooperatives, merchandisers, banks, investors, Commodity Credit Corporation, and other entities

Warehouses that acquire USWA licenses are USWA customers. Industry associations that represent warehouse operators and other agricultural sectors work closely with WCMD to support delivery of services,

improve efficiencies, and resolve issues quickly. Associations of government entities with shared responsibilities or interests in oversight of agricultural commodity warehouses are key partners. USWA license holder

provide services to depositors under authority of the USWA and in close partnership with WCMD

WAREHOUSE AND 

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR 

STAKEHOLDERS

y American Cotton Shippers Association

y American Peanut Shellers Association

y Cotton Growers Warehouse Association

y Cotton Warehouse Association of 

America

y National Cotton Council

y National Grain and Feed Association

y National Peanut Buying Point 

Association

y US Dry Pea and Lentil Association

y US Rice Producers Association

y USA Rice Federation

ASSOCIATIONS 

OF GOVERNMENT 

AGENCIES WITH SHARED 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND 

INTERESTS

y Association of Grain Regulatory Officials

y National Association of State 

Departments of Agriculture 

y USDA - AMS Commodity Procurement 

Program 

y USDA - Farm Service Agency

y United States Agency for International 

Development

LICENSED PROVIDERS

y eGrain, Incorporated

y EWR, Incorporated

y InterContinental Exchange (eCOPS, LLC)
5

2019 USWA 

OVERVIEW OF 

OPERATIONS 

A Year of Change, Innovation, and Investment

USWA 

Administration 

Realignment

At the beginning of FY 2019, the U.S. Secretar

of Agriculture formally delegated administration of USWA programs to AMS (83 Federal 

Register 61309; November 29, 2018). Previously,

the administration of the USWA was delegated 

to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). This

realignment was part of the Secretary’s plan to 

improve customer service and maximize efficiency 

throughout the Department. This organizational

realignment, initiated in FY 2018, required comprehensive administrative changes to transition 

USWA business operations to AMS. Finance, budget, personnel, acquisition, technology, and other

related operations and processes were integrated 

and modified to align within AMS. By mid-FY

2019, WCMD and the related USWA operations 

were fully integrated into AMS. Throughout the

transition, WCMD maintained high-quality USWA 

service delivery, and continued to focus on improving efficiencies and reducing costs

FY 2019 

Warehouse 

License and 

Capacity Overview

The USWA authorizes WCMD to license warehouse operators who store agricultural products

Licensed warehouse operators must meet the 

standards established in the USWA and its regulations. Through the licensing program, WCMD

works to verify quantity, quality, and financial 

arrangements to ensure commodities are properly 

accounted for and stored. Key indicators WCMD

monitors include capacity (volume of licensed 

storage space), functional units (physical locations 

licensed for storage), and licenses (active licenses)
4,676 

4,901 5,081 5,151 5,178 

5,463 

5,784 5,888 5,921 5,910 

2558 2593 2621 2632 2623 2675 2742 2739 2699 2670

699 694 695 688 670 656 643 600 586 564

-2000

-1500

-1000

-500

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

 3,000

 4,000

 5,000

 6,000

 7,000

 8,000

 9,000

 10,000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Fiscal Year

Grain

6

GRAIN LICENSES

In FY 2019, there were 564 licenses, 2,670 functional units, and 5.9 billion bushels of capacity. All decrease

from FY 2018 by 3.7 percent, 1.0 percent, and 0.2 percent, respectively. FY 2019 reflected a continued tr

of market consolidation, resulting in fewer USWA licenses and functional units. This is the first time since at

least 1991 that licensed grain bushel capacity declined

PEANUT LICENSES

In FY 2019, there were 30 licenses, 336 functional units, and 4.2 million tons capacity. Compared to F

2018, this represents no change in the number of licenses, a 6.0 percent increase in functional units, and a 7.

percent increase in capacity. License numbers have remained steady for the past 10 year

COTTON LICENSES

In FY 2019, there were 148 licenses, 161 functional units, and capacity of 8.0 million bales. All decrease

from FY 2018 by 10.8 percent, 8.0 percent, and 4.9 percent, respectively. Capacity continues to vary each y

depending on crop size and market demand. On average, 50 percent of commercial cotton storage space is

licensed under USWA

OTHER LICENSES

Other warehouse licenses held in FY 2019 included 35 licenses representing a variety of participants such 

as cottonseed, dry edible bean, and export food aid commodity warehouse operators, and electronic receipt 

providers. There were three licensees for cottonseed warehouses located in Missouri and Arkansas and 16 dry

bean licensees located throughout the Midwest, West, and Pacific Northwest regions. The Export Food Aid

Commodity warehouses account for 16 licensees located at 9 U.S. ports throughout 8 Stat

Grain Functional Units, Licenses, and Capacity Chart
2,901 2,933 2,962 

3,346 3,221 

3,659 3,712 3,783 3,871 

4,165 

301 298 284

310 297

336

311 312 316 336

31 30 29 27 27 31 32 30 30 30

-500

-400

-300

-200

-100

0

100

200

300

400

 2,000

 2,500

 3,000

 3,500

 4,000

 4,500

 5,000

 5,500

 6,000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Fiscal Year

Peanut

Cotton

10,512 10,467 10,338 

9,899 

8,514 8,599 

7,521 

7,960 

8,419 

8,009 

214 209 209 216

198 193

179 172 175

197 192 161 189 191

177 173 165 161 166

148

0

50

100

150

200

250

 7,000

 8,000

 9,000

 10,000

 11,000

 12,000

 13,000

 14,000

 15,000

 16,000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Fiscal Year

7

Peanut Functional Units, Licenses, and Capacity Chart

Cotton Functional Units, Licenses, and Capacity Chart
8

Warehouse 

Receipts 

Warehouse receipts are issued by licensed warehouse operators as documents of title to commodities in storage. Warehouse receipts can either be

in paper or electronic form. WCMD licenses three

providers of electronic warehouse receipts (EWRs) 

for the maintenance of the EWR central filing system: EWR Inc., eGrain, Inc., and eCOPs, LLC. T

central filing systems allow for an efficient and 

secure method of issuance, storage, transfer, and 

auditing functions. The USWA establishes associated standards and validations that enhance the

EWRs acceptance by the commodity industry

GRAIN ELECTRONIC 

WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS

In FY 2019, 10,464 grain EWRs were issued covering 1.13 billion bushels. Compared to FY 2018

grain receipts declined 25.3 percent while volume

covered increased 18.7 percen

PEANUT ELECTRONIC 

WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS

In FY 2019, 33,718 peanut EWRs were issued 

covering 2.17 million tons. Compared to FY 2018

peanut receipts declined 24.7 percent and volume

covered also declined 18.6 percen

COTTON ELECTRONIC 

WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS

In FY 2019, 17.48 million cotton EWRs were

issued covering 17.48 million bales. Compared t

FY 2018, cotton receipts and bales declined 13.4

percent

Warehouse 

and Inventory 

Examinations

WCMD conducts examinations of warehouses 

for USWA compliance. Examinations consist of

documentation of storage obligations, physical 

inventory of stored commodities, comparison of 

inventory with storage obligations, review of the 

physical warehouse’s suitability for storage of specific commodities, and a review of the warehouse’s 

business practices for conformance with USWA 

regulatory requirements

WCMD conducted 1,341 examinations of USWA 

warehouses in FY 2019. A total of 427 of these

examinations were Location Examinations, allowing a modified examination process permitting 

some examination procedures to be conducted at 

individual warehouse locations. This process is

used primarily on large multi-location warehouse 

license groups where a coordinated inventory is 

impractical. The use of Location Examinations as

an optional approach is in response to changing 

market dynamics as the overall industry continues 

to consolidate and reduce the number of licenses 

while steadily increasing the number of functional 

units

Warehouse examinations may result in the issuance of a Memorandum of Adjustment that identifies corrective actions needed to remain in compliance with the USWA. These corrective actions

are monitored until resolved. When severe items

are noted, administrative action is taken with 

the warehouse license. These actions can include

accelerated examinations, special examinations, 

suspensions, or termination of the license. FY 2019

warehouse examinations resulted in one license 

suspension and no forced license terminations
9

FY 2019 Examinations

FY 2019 Inspector, Weigher, Classifier 

and Grader Licenses 

WCMD licenses private industry inspectors, weighers, classifiers, and graders. These licenses are issued to

provide documented validation and legal recourse of the weighing, inspecting, and grading process. In FY

2019, there were more than 12,000 active USWA licenses for private industry samplers, inspectors, weighers, 

classifiers, and graders of agricultural products
10

FINANCIAL 

INFORMATION

Maintaining Financial Solvency

The USWA mandates the collection of fees to cover 

the costs of administering the USWA program 

and authorizes rate changes, as necessary. The fees

cover direct and indirect costs of providing services. Direct expenses include the cost of salaries,

employee benefits, and non-labor operating costs 

incurred from providing USWA services. Indirect

or administrative expenses include budget, human 

resources, legal services, and information 

technology

FY 2019 Financials

At the end of FY 2019, USWA user-fee collections 

totaled $3.66 million. FY 2019 total collection

increased 10 percent compared to FY 2018

FY 2019 expenses totaled $4.18 millio

y Personnel salaries and benefits made up the 

largest expense, representing $2.46 million or

59 percent of expenses. These funds supported

21 staff years in FY 2019

y Technology expenses associated with major 

modernization initiatives accounted for 

$600,812 or 14 percent of expenses. These

included the launch of a major 5-year 

information technology (IT) modernization 

project designed to replace seven outdated 

technology platforms with one integrated 

system known as eWCMD

y Administrative expenses covering 

administration and shared services within 

USDA, AMS and FTPP accounted for $667,139 

or 16 percent of total spending

y Non-labor expenses total $458,068 or 11 

percent of total spending

The FY 2019 year-end reserve balance of $0.96

million is equivalent to 2.7 months of operating

expenses. The purpose of the reserve account is

to buffer unexpected changes in user-fee income 

due to changes in licensed warehouse capacity to 

cover accrued liabilities in the event of unexpected 

program cessation and to support other unforeseen 

needs
11

FY 2019 FINANCIALS

Beginning Balance as of October 1, 2018: $1,483,132

User-fee 

Collections

Cash Collections $3,659,342 

Total Collections $3,659,342

Expenses

Salaries and Benefits $2,458,092 

Non-Labor Operating Expenses $458,068

Subtotal: Direct Expenses $2,916,160 

Information Technology Contracts $600,812

Administrative Cost $667,139

Subtotal: Indirect Expenses $1,267,951 

Total Expenses $4,184,111 

Ending Balance as of September 30, 2019: $958,363
12

EFFICIENCIES AND 

COST SAVINGS

Gaining Efficiencies and Controlling Costs

The USWA authorizes the collection of fees to 

administer the program and requires the Secretary “to minimize the fees established under this 

section by improving efficiencies and reducing 

costs, including the efficient use of personnel to 

the extent practicable and consistent with the 

effective implementation of this Act.” Accordingly,

WCMD continues to implement cost controls and 

simultaneously explore and implement innovative 

strategies to gain additional efficiencies

Efficient Use of 

Personnel

In FY 2019, personnel expenses (salaries and 

benefits) represented 59 percent of all USWA 

costs and provided for a total of 21 staff years in 

support of USWA services. Services were provided

by personnel strategically located near USWA 

stakeholders across the United States. Rather than

dedicating personnel exclusively to USWA duties 

and responsibilities, WCMD hires, develops, cross 

trains, and assigns work to enable maximum 

flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs

Examiners spend approximately 40 percent of 

their time on USWA services, and the remaining 

60 percent is allocated to other programs. Cross

training, geographic distribution of personnel, and 

flexible scheduling enable WCMD to reduce staff 

and travel time and related costs, while improving 

response time. WCMD also provides hands-on

training for examiners to increase staff retention, 

reduce turnover time and expense, and decrease 

training costs. Labor and travel expenditures are

tracked against budget targets on a real-time basis 

to support optimal scheduling of services. During

FY 2019, WCMD reduced time spent by examiners 

on travel and administrative tasks by 1 percent, 

increasing the time spent on warehouse examinations, inspections, and audits

IT Modernization 

(eWCMD)

Historically, WCMD relied upon seven different 

technology platforms to support USWA operations. These aging systems are inefficient, lack

integration, require stakeholders to communicate 

with multiple points of contact to receive information and services, and do not conform with current 

security requirements. Personnel must make duplicate data entries, transmit information manually,

and are not able to access critical information 

and data required for efficient delivery of USWArelated services

In FY 2019, WCMD launched Phase 1 of eWCMD, 

a major IT modernization initiative, to align with 

departmental security requirements, re-engineer 

business operations, and develop a single integrated technology platform to replace the legacy 
13

systems. Development and deployment of eWCMD

is projected to take 3 years and will focus on development of key functionalities each year

y Phase 1: Entities, Licenses, Examination 

(August 2019)

y Phase 2: Licensing Actions, Financial Review, 

Invoicing (December 2020)

y Phase 3: Other Program Areas (September 

2021)

eWCMD represents an investment that will 

result in improved customer service. When fully

developed, users will experience improved service 

response time and on-demand access to accurate, 

quantitative data delivered in a user-friendly format. This includes visibility of licensed and other

authorized storage space data, enhanced inventory 

control applications, and online delivery of statements. The online availability of this information

will support planning and marketing efforts for 

USWA licensees

In August 2019, Phase 1 of eWCMD was completed 

and deployed to production. Included in this phase

was the establishment of the database for business 

entities, their respective warehouses and licenses, 

and warehouse examinations

WCMD Cost 

Control Monitoring 

and Management

To manage and control costs in support of USWA, 

WCMD implements a variety of cost monitoring, 

management, and control activities. Labor and

non-labor activity and expenses are separated and 

monitored on a real-time basis. Current and projected expense activities are tracked, compared, and

analyzed to inform decisions on staff scheduling 

and assignment
14

FY2020 USER FEES 

In August 2019, USDA announced new fees for licensing and examining warehouses storing export food aid 

commodities, grain, nuts, sweeteners, wool, cotton, cottonseed, and dry beans. The new fees became effective

on October 1, 2019. USDA increased the license action fees, service license fees, inspection fees, and annual

user-fees charged to licensed warehouses to assure recovery of operational costs projected for USWA activities 

in FY 2020 and subsequent years. This fee adjustment reflects an approximate 10-percent increase over FY

2006-2019 rates. The fee increase was necessary to meet projected costs for administering the USWA program, including

y IT Modernization Investment – a portion of the fee increase will fund a major information technology 

modernization project. The new system, known as eWCMD, will consolidate seven legacy IT systems into

one unified and streamlined system. The system will equip warehouse staff with tools to better serve their

customer and drive long-term efficiencies for the USWA program

y Operating Reserve – the FY 2019 USWA operating reserve was equivalent to 2.7 months. The user-fe

increase supports the need to maintain a sufficient reserve balance going forward

Prior to 2019, the last USWA fee adjustment was made in January 2006, when fees increased 5 percent. Prior

to the 2006 change, the most recent change was a 7.5-percent increase in October 199

Cotton Seed Fee Table Effective 10.1.2019

License 

Action 

Fee

Service 

License 

Fee Inspection Fee

Annual User Fee per 

Licensed Capacities

$90 $40 $19 for each 1,000 short tons; 

MIN $190, MAX $1900

$19 for each 1,000 short tons or fraction thereof; $750 MIN
15

Cotton Fee Tables Effective 10.1.2019

License Action Fee Service License Fee Inspection Fee

$90 $40 $95 for each 1,000 bales; MIN $ 

190 MAX $1900

Licensed 

Capacities (in 

bales)

Annual user fee for 

each warehouse 

location with a CCC 

storage agreement 

(in U.S. dollars)

Annual user fee for 

each warehouse 

location without a CCC 

storage agreement (in 

U.S. dollars)

1 - 20,000 645 1,290

20,001 - 40,000 850 1,700

40,001 - 60,000 1,035 2,070

60,001 - 80,000 1,230 2,460

80,001 - 100,000 1,620 3,240

100,001 - 120,000 1,935 3,870

120,001 - 140,000 2,260 4,520

140,001 - 160,000 2,585 5,170

160,001* 2,585* 5,170**

* Plus $65 per 5,000 bale capacity above 160,000 bales or fraction thereof

** Plus $130 per 5,000 bale capacity above 160,000 bales or fraction thereof
16

Dry Beans Fee Tables Effective 10.1.2019

License Action 

Fee

Service License 

Fee Inspection Fee

$90 $40 $19 for each 1,000 hundredweight; MIN $190, 

MAX $1900

Licensed Capacities (in 

hundredweight) Annual User Fee (in U.S. dollars)

100 – 90,000 925

90,001 – 150,000 1,290

150,001 – 300,000 1,670

300,001 – 450,000 2,040

450,001 – 600,000 2,405

600,001 – 720,000 2,765

720,001 – 900,000 3,145

900,001 – 1,200,000 3,520

1,200,001 – 1,500,000 3,880

1,500,001 – 3,000,000 4,245

3,000,001+ 4,620*

* Plus $1.55 per 1,000 hundredweight above 3,000,000 or fraction thereo
17

Export Food Aid Commodities Fee Tables 

Effective 10.1.2019

License 

Action Fee Inspection Fee

Annual User Fees per 

Location

$110 $1,100 for 1 to 3 locations;

$330 for each location over 3

$1,650 for 1 to 3 locations; $330 for each 

location over 3
18

Grain Fee Tables Effective 10.1.2019

License Action Fee Service License Fee Inspection Fee

$90 $40 $19 for each 10,000 bushels;

MIN $190, MAX $1900

Licensed Capacities 

(in bushels)

Annual user fee for each 

warehouse location with 

a CCC storage agreement 

(in U.S. dollars)

Annual user fee for 

each warehouse 

location without 

a CCC storage 

agreement (in U.S. 

dollars)

1 - 150,000 170 340

150,001 - 250,000 340 680

250,001 - 500,000 500 1,000

500,001 - 750,000 675 1,350

750,001 - 1,000,000 840 1,680

1,000,001 - 1,200,000 1,010 2,020

1,200,001 - 1,500,000 1,180 2,360

1,500,001 - 2,000,000 1,340 2,680

2,000,001 - 2,500,000 1,515 3,030

2,500,001 - 5,000,000 1,680 3,360

5,000,001 - 7,500,000 1,855 3,710

7,500,001 -10,000,000 2,025 4,050

10,000,001+ *2,025 **4,050

* Plus $55 per million bushels above 10,000,000 or fraction thereof

** Plus $105 per million bushels above 10,000,000 or fraction thereof
19

Nuts Fee Tables Effective 10.1.2019

License 

Action Fee

Service 

License Fee Inspection Fee

$90 $40

$9.35 for each 100 short tons of Peanuts; MIN $190,

MAX $1900

$17 for each 1,000 hundredweight of other nuts; MIN 

$190, MAX $1900

Licensed Capacities 

(in short tons)

Annual user fee for 

each warehouse 

location with a CCC 

storage agreement 

(in U.S. dollars)

Annual user fee for 

each warehouse 

location without 

a CCC storage 

agreement (in U.S. 

dollars)

1 - 4,500 275 550

4,501 - 7,500 450 900

7,501 - 15,000 640 1,280

15,001 - 22,500 820 1,640

22,501 - 30,000 995 1,990

30,001 - 36,000 1,165 2,330

36,001 - 45,000 1,340 2,680

45,001 - 60,000 1,515 3,030

60,001 - 75,000 1,690 3,380

75,001 - 150,000 1,860 3,720

150,001 - 225,000 2,025 4,040

225,001+ 2,195* 4,390**

* Plus $12 per 100 short tons above 225,000 short tons or fraction thereof

** Plus $21 per 100 short tons above 225,000 short tons or fraction thereof
20

Wool Fee Table Effective 10.1.2019

License 

Action 

Fee

Service 

License 

Fee Inspection Fee

Annual user fee per 

Licensed Capacities

$90 $40 $19 for each 100,000 pounds; 

MIN $190, MAX $1900

$19 for each 100,000 pounds or fraction thereof; $750 MIN

Sweeteners Fee Table Effective 10.1.2019

License 

Action 

Fee

Service 

License 

Fee Inspection Fee

Annual User Fees per 

Licensed Capacities

$90 $40

$7.15 for each 5,000 gallons of

liquid; MIN $190, MAX $1900

Or

$7.15 for each 55,000 pounds of

dry capacity; MIN $190, MAX 

$1900

$7.15 for each 5,000 gallons of liquid or fraction thereof; $750 MI

Or

$7.15 for each 55,000 pounds of

dry capacity or fraction thereof; 

$750 MIN
21

CONCLUSION

FY 2019 was a year of change, innovation, and investment for WCMD and the USWA, resulting in continued 

financial solvency, gains in efficiency, and reduction of administrative costs. WCMD will continue efforts in

FY 2020 to implement and invest in strategies to maximize efficient use of personnel, streamline processes, 

modernize technology solutions, and implement cost control procedures. On December 16, 2019, AMS

received additional funding through the “Further Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2020.” The appropriated

funding increase is consistent with industry input and agency projections regarding information technology 

needs. As stewards of the USWA, WCMD is committed to supporting the U.S. agricultural commodity warehouse system and serving the consumer, producer, warehouse operators, and the banking community in 

2020 and beyond
22

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulation

and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institution participating in or administering 

USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender 

identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 

rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs)

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g.

Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or

USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than

English

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 

AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or 

write to a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To

request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independenc

Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@us

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender

Use of commercial and trade names does not imply approval or constitute endorsement by USDA

March 2020

For more information about the United States Warehouse Act, please call (816) 926-6474.

Email: warehousing@usda.gov

Website: ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/uswa

United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service

Fair Trade Practices Program, Warehouse and Commodity Management Division

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250