Green is good – Sustainability in Duty Free

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WTDC Newsletter – May 17, 2022

 

President’s Corner
Even with inflation and a rise in gas prices, demand for shipments to the US is still at an all time high with no signs of slowing. Ports around the country are consistently reporting record months and despite shutdowns in Shanghai, cargo has found its way to neighboring ports like Ningbo-Zhoushan to sustain the wave of exports from China.
Supply chain professionals have new metrics to consider for their clients like the availability of bookings – or lack thereof – and how soon can a product make it on the shelf with consideration to its shipping and port of entry efficiency. We’ve experienced a new segment of customers interested in our South Florida FTZ thanks to the efforts of PortMiami and the State of Florida to promote our ports and eliminate congestion. We’re happy to continue the conversation if you have any questions for us.

Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

Green is good
A ‘Sustainable futures’ panel at TFWA Asia Pacific Live last week examined what sustainability means for shoppers in Asia and how environmental and social concerns affect purchasing. The panel consisted of duty free and travel retail executives including Jaya Singh, Managing Director, Mondelez World Travel Retail (MWTR).
“Green is good. The constructive pressure comes from the financial equation, and the financial equation linked to social responsibility and sustainability is a healthy linkage. It means we are more accountable to the different stakeholders in the world we live.” – Jaya Singh
Hosted by TRBusiness and TFWA, the panel drew upon data collected by m1nd-set, a research agency that specializes in travel retail, airline, and airport research. Among the key stats introduced at the panel:’66% of those surveyed on an acceptable price increase for sustainable products would be willing to pay up to 15% extra’ -m1nd-set.
Continue reading from TRBusiness at the link below.
TRBusiness: ‘Green is good’ journey rewards collaborative actors

International Trade Week
International Trade Week is this week, May 16th-20th, 2022. CBP and U.S. federal agencies will present on the phasing out of IBECs, as well as Forced Labor, CTPAT updates, Import Requirements for Agricultural Commodities, and the United States- Mexico- Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The in-person program is on May 18th from 9:00am- 2:00pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport & Convention Center. Click below for more details from host World Trade Center Miami.

PBA Gala
WTDC Chairman and Deacon Ralph L. Gazitua will deliver the invocation this weekend at the South Florida PBA Law Enforcement Awards Gala.
Created as a fun way to recognize the men and women of law enforcement, this elegant affair celebrates current officers, remembers those who have fallen and stands in solidarity with the surviving family members they left behind. Taking place each May, this special evening is a formal event that includes a sit-down dinner, an awards ceremony, live music and dancing. It is attended by approximately 1,000 guests, from law enforcement officers and their families, state officials and local government leaders, to members of the judiciary and residents of the South Florida community.
This year, Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez are scheduled to attend.

Rescheduled – FIU Fishing Tournament
Tournament Chair and WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua invites you to attend the 18th Annual FIU Fishing Tournament and Block Party rescheduled for Sunday, June 5, 2022.
The tournament was scheduled for April 23rd but postponed due to weather.

 

WTDC celebrates 45 years

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Family owned logistics business WTDC celebrates its 45th Anniversary on March 8th, 2022.

President and CEO Sean Gazitua says this 45 year milestone is a testament to the dedication of its employees and the willingness of the company to reinvent itself over the years. The company was founded in 1977 as the first General Order (G.O.) warehouse in Miami, Florida. Today, WTDC is an internationally respected full-service logistics company and Foreign Trade Zone.

“Serving the logistics needs of our customers is not without its challenges in these times,” says Gazitua. “But by building better relationships, planning logistics well ahead, and putting technology at the forefront, we can still help our customers exceed their performance benchmarks.”

Mr. Gazitua is now the third generation of the family to lead the business after becoming President and CEO in 2017, succeeding his father Ralph L. Gazitua in the position. The company prides itself on customer service and providing a safe and healthy working environment for its employees. WTDC specializes in global supply chain management, door to door transportation, and Foreign Trade Zone inventory control for the Duty Free and Travel retail industry and provides logistics for electronics, renewable energy components, and other commodities.

“I am so grateful to our employees and customers who will propel us well past our 45th Anniversary” says Gazitua.

View services at https://wtdc.com

WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua displays a Proclamation from Miami-Dade County naming Tuesday, March 8, 2022 as “WTDC 45th Anniversary Day.”

5G roll out suspended near US airports

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WTDC Newsletter – January 19, 2022

President’s Corner

In 2022, WTDC will celebrate our 45th anniversary. On a call last week, I was reminded of our family legacy in the logistics industry when my counterpart said that he, his father, and his uncle all worked for my grandfather LR Gazitua, grandmother Mercedes, uncle John, and my father Ralph at Florida International Forwarders (FIF). We consider the history of FIF to be entwined with our Gazitua family history.
We hope to collect more stories like this as we lead into WTDC’s 45th anniversary. If you have a story or photos you would like to share about these times, please reach out. We would love to hear from you.

Best Regards,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

Village of Palmetto Bay honors WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua on MDPD Chaplain retirement
On January 10, Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham honored WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua on his retirement as Chaplain of the Miami Dade Police Department (MDPD) after 20 years of service. Mr. Gazitua is a resident of Palmetto Bay, FL.
Joining the recognition ceremony were Palmetto Bay Councilmember Steve Cody, MDPD Major and Commander of Palmetto Bay’s policing unit Maria Guerra, MDPD Lieutenant Antonio Rodriguez, and Executive Vice President of South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) David Greenwell.
As an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church for 34 years, Chaplain Gazitua helped meet the spiritual and pastoral requests of MDPD employees and their families, providing counsel in their time of need.

5G roll out suspended near US airports over interference concerns
Last night AT&T and Verizon flipped on the switch for their new 5G technology – just not within 2 miles of US airports. The concern stems from adjacent radio frequencies used by airline altimeters and the radio waves that 5G will inhabit. The altimeter is crucial to pilot navigation in poor weather conditions and the possible interference could have caused equipment malfunctions or outright flight cancellations. Some international flights had already been delayed or canceled flights before yesterday’s announcement at the eleventh hour of changes to the roll out.
NPR: Telecoms delay 5G launch near airports, but some airlines are canceling flights

CDC announces voluntary cruise guidelines for COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that cruise guidelines for COVID-19 will be voluntary after the expiration of the mandates in the Conditional Sailing Order (CSO).
Starting this week, cruises can opt to follow the CDC guidelines or introduce their own mechanisms for preventing and responding to COVID-19 infections – but either way, cruises will still be regulated by CDC with prevention and reporting expectations.
Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced their intentions last week to continue to follow the now voluntary CDC protocols.
USA Today: The CDC’s new COVID mitigation program will be optional for cruises. Here’s what that means.

WTDC attends Wodapalooza
WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua and WTDC General Manager Vera Gazitua attended the crossfit competition Wodapalooza in Miami’s Bayside Park this past weekend with a group of WTDC employees to cheer on WTDC Intern Brianna Kource. Ms. Kource, pictured below at right, competed in the Elite Women’s Team Division.
WTDC is committed to providing healthy lifestyle opportunities for its staff such as gym memberships, massages, and healthy lunches in addition to Vera’s yoga class three times per week in our company gym. WTDC is a Florida Drug Free Workplace and all employees passed a random drug test in January.
Miami Celebrates a Decade of Fitness, Community, and Life at Wodapalooza

Transloads at WTDC
WTDC manages project cargo and heavy lift transloads in our fenced FTZ yard. Use WTDC for your next PortMiami or Port Everglades transload. We can load and unload standard containers, open top containers, flat racks, flatbeds, and other special equipment. WTDC has crane services for heavy lift cargo. Common commodities include machinery, HVAC, crated merchandise, renewable energy infrastructure, raw materials, and pipe. WTDC can also coordinate the drayage, inland, air, or ocean transportation for your loads as a full service NVOCC, IAC, and IATA certfied freight forwarder.

WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua retires as MDPD Chaplain

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Congratulations to WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua on his retirement as Chaplain of the Miami Dade Police Department after 20 years of service. On December 16, Chaplain Gazitua celebrated his MDPD Chaplain retirement and the retirement of MDPD Chaplain Eddie Rivero at Sergio’s Doral. Mr. Gazitua’s fellow MDPD Chaplains and colleagues from the Department attended the breakfast including Assistant Director George Perez, Chief Gina Beato-Dominguez, Major Jose A. Fernandez, Major Melissa Barosela, and Executive Vice President of South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) David Greenwell. The PBA presented Chaplain Gazitua with a plaque to commemorate his service.

As an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church for 34 years, Chaplain Gazitua helped meet the spiritual and pastoral requests of MDPD employees and their families, providing counsel in their time of need.

In times of crisis, such as the collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside and the pedestrian bridge at FIU, Mr. Gazitua and the MDPD Chaplains led our community in prayer and provided spiritual guidance to first responders. His responsibilities as Chaplain included education and special programs, introducing MDPD’s human trafficking awareness initiative to the Archdiocese of Miami. As Goodwill Ambassadors of Miami-Dade County, he and the MDPD Chaplains were a social and cultural bridge between the Department and the public on Miami Beach Memorial Day Weekends and at other busy events.

Ralph, thank you for your 20 years of dedication and service as a MDPD Chaplain. Our community is better with people like you and the MDPD Chaplains giving their time and effort to help others. Your involvement with MDPD has become part of the company fabric of WTDC and we look forward to continuing to support law enforcement and its initiatives.

Ralph Gazitua WTDC Chaplain MDPD Retirement

Biden signs $550 billion infrastructure law

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WTDC Newsletter – November 16, 2021
– Biden signs $550 billion infrastructure law
– PortMiami reports record year for container cargo
– International passengers returning to MIA and U.S. airports
– Florida lawmakers introduce legislation with incentives to divert vessels to Florida ports
– Pajama drive for His House by WTDC

Biden signs $550 billion infrastructure bill into law
On November 15, President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package with $550 billion earmarked for infrastructure improvements over the next 5 years to ports, airports, railways, roads, bridges, public transportation and power grids, among others. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was present at the White House for the historic signing.

“Our airport and our seaport are our economic engines,” says Levine Cava. “If we don’t keep them in the forefront, we will lose out for opportunities on travel and trade.”

CBS 4: Miami-Dade Mayor Says Infrastructure Plan To Help Make Local Roads Safer & Reduce Pollution
SupplyChainBrain: Biden Signed the $550 Billion Infrastructure Deal. Here’s Who Gets the Money.

PortMiami reports record year for container cargo
On November 5, PortMiami announced that it handled a record setting 1,254,064 TEUs (20 ft container equivalents) in Fiscal Year 2021 which ended September 30, 2021.
“PortMiami’s cargo performance is a reflection of the resilience of our community and the critical role played by our seaport,” said Mayor Levine Cava.

“Despite the incredible challenges of a global pandemic, the Port set a record for the strongest year in cargo activity in our history. Miami-Dade County is a major global hub for trade and commerce, and strengthening cargo activity will help us rebuild an even stronger, more resilient economy for generations to come. We welcome more container ships to our Port, to do our part to help global trade move and grow jobs and business opportunities here in our community. PortMiami is ready!”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava reports the busiest cargo year in the history of PortMiami and welcomes more container ships

President’s Corner
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This year more families will be able to see their loved ones on Thanksgiving with the U.S. lifting coronavirus restrictions on travelers from more than 30 countries. Speaking of family, how amazing is this drawing from my 8 year old son Logan? He surprised me with it last week. – Sean Gazitua, President & CEO, WTDC

International passengers returning to MIA and U.S. airports
On Monday, November 8, Miami and the U.S. began welcoming international air passengers who are coronavirus vaccinated from 39 countries including Brazil, China, England, and India. The New York Times reported that 206,990 international passengers traveled to the U.S. on that Monday, an increase of 40,000 passengers over the the 2020 daily average.

Miami Today: Bookings soaring with return of international travelers

NYT: More than 200,000 people flew to the U.S. on Monday under new rules.

Cruises to benefit from return of international travelers too
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) celebrated the return of international passengers on Twitter with a reminder that 2.5 million international passengers cruise from the U.S. annually.

Florida lawmakers introduce legislation with incentives to divert vessels to Florida ports
Last week Florida Senator Rick Scott and Representative Carlos Gimenez introduced legislation that would redirect unused funds from the CARES act into grants to incentivize vessel owners to redirect their cargo vessels from California ports to Florida ports.

American Shipper: US senator proposes $125M in grants to reroute container ships

Pajama Drive for His House
Our first pajamas donation arrived by mail last week! Join WTDC in our 7th annual Pajama Drive for His House Children’s Home. Until December 17, we will be collecting new boys and girls Youth Size Small to XL and boys and girls adult sizes X-Small to XL. Donations can be dropped off to WTDC Suite 217, WTDC Customer Service office in the warehouse, or list Ginger Diez/PJ Drive with WTDC address for mailed donations.

 

 

 

 

EU lifts whiskey tariff in steel and aluminum truce

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WTDC Newsletter – November 1, 2021
– President’s Corner – Supply Chain
– EU to lift whiskey tariff as part of steel and aluminum trade truce with US
– Florida governor calls on carriers to divert to Florida ports
– Bottleneck at California ports
– WTDC celebrates Halloween
– Pajama Drive for His House Children’s Home

President’s Corner
Some good news for our spirits clients this weekend as the EU has agreed to lift the 25% whiskey tariff (see article below).
Supply chains have never been so much a topic of popular discussion. From bottle shortages to grocery and department store stocks running low, consumers are taking notice on the disruptions we’ve all been working to avoid for months in the industry. Need to rethink your supply chain in order to have your goods ready for the holidays? Send us a note, we would happy to help.
Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

EU to lift whiskey tariff as part of steel and aluminum trade truce with US
“Lifting this tariff burden on American whiskeys not only boosts U.S. distillers and farmers, it also supports the recovery of EU restaurants, bars and distilleries hit hard by the pandemic,” said Chris Swonger, CEO of Distilled Spirits Council.
This weekend the US and EU reached a significant trade accord at the Group of 20 meetings in Berlin. The US and EU agree to remove penalizing tariffs on steel and aluminum in efforts to protect against overcapacity and to instill low-carbon targets for steel and aluminum exports.
After President Trump instituted a 25% tariff on EU steel and aluminum in 2018, the EU retaliated with tariffs on finished US goods such as bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. The 25% tax on American whiskeys was scheduled to reach 50% in December if negotiations were not agreed upon.
Fortune: U.S. and EU settle tariff rift that started with steel and escalated to Kentucky bourbon and motorcycles
AJOT: U.S., EU eye global coalition to fix steel, aluminum markets

Florida governor calls on carriers to divert to Florida ports
Last week Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited JAXPORT to deliver the message that Florida seaports are open and ready to receive cargo diverted from congested seaports. Savannah is now seeing backlog problems similar to those in LA/Long Beach.
“Our ports operate 24/7. … We’re here. We have capacity,” DeSantis said.
“We want to be sure that Americans get the goods they need, particularly as we approach the Christmas season,” DeSantis continued.

Bottleneck at California ports
On October 28, Port Envoy John Porcari announced the Emerging Projects Agreement, a plan to develop and fund supply chain infrastructure projects backed by the federal government and state of California. The plan did not specify the projects but instead lays out the framework to address everything from port congestion to federal funds to update highways, ports, and inland warehousing attached to rail.
“We’re setting the stage for projects that will eliminate bottlenecks and improve the flow of goods,” California State Transportation Agency Secretary David Kim said.
AJOT: Biden Port Envoy vows alliance will help break California logjam

Pajama Drive for His House
Join WTDC in our 7th annual Pajama Drive for His House Children’s Home. Until December 17, we will be collecting new boys and girls Youth Size Small to XL and boys and girls adult sizes X-Small to XL. Donations can be dropped off to WTDC Suite 217, WTDC Customer Service office in the warehouse, or list Ginger Diez/PJ Drive with WTDC address for mailed donations.