Miami International Airport cargo expansion

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WTDC Newsletter – April 4th, 2023

(WTDC will be closed Friday, April 7th in observance of Good Friday)

  • President’s Corner
  • Port Everglades hosted Seatrade Cruise Global 2023
  • MIA cargo expansion
  • Transportation and FTZ Bonded Warehousing for Duty Free
  • New racks

 

President’s Corner

Feliz Semana Santa, Happy Passover, and Happy Easter!
My wife Emely and I enjoyed an incredible evening at the 17th Annual Arsht Gala. The theme was Labyrinth of Enchantment and the Knight Concert Hall was transformed into a beautiful dreamscape. Love the work we are doing as a Board to foster Arts in the community! Thank you to all the staff of the Arsht Center for creating a memorable experience.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

Port Everglades hosted Seatrade Cruise Global 2023

Last week Port Everglades hosted thousands of cruise professionals at Seatrade Cruise Global. ‘Forward Momentum’ was the theme and participants enjoyed an exhibition hall with 500+ exhibitors, new cruising food and beverage events, well as panels that explored the cruising experience, technology, and sustainability. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reported that the sector is rebounding after the pandemic with 33 million expected passenger bookings in 2023, using 2019 for comparison with 29.7 million passengers. The same positive outlook for the $2 billion cruise retail sector continued across the week’s events.

Travel Markets Insider – Seatrade Cruise releases first Cruise Food & Beverage Trends report

Moodie Davitt – On location at Seatrade Cruise Global: Cruise travel numbers set to reach new high this year

Seatrade-Moodie Davitt conference session highlights upbeat outlook for cruise retail in 2023 and beyond

 

MIA cargo expansion

Miami International Airport (MIA) plans to double its cargo capacity by building a five story public-private cargo hub. The airport will build up because it cannot build out. Modeled after Hong Kong International Airport, the Vertical Integrated Cargo Community (VICC), will expand MIA’s total cargo capacity from 2.5-2.8 million metric tons to 5.5 million metric tons of cargo and is scheduled for completion in 2027.
WTDC is a TSA licensed Independent Air Carrier (IAC) and is IATA approved for cargo on passenger airplanes.

AirFreight News – Miami International Airport set for major expansion

 

 

Transportation and FTZ Bonded Warehousing for Duty Free

WTDC has tailored its operations and customer service to fit the specific requirements of FTZ bonded inventory for the Duty-Free and Travel Retail Industry.
WTDC provides global door to door Transportation on behalf of its clients. On a daily basis, we deliver to cruise lines, create airbills for air cargo shipments, and arrange for ocean transportation from origin to WTDC and WTDC to the final destination.
WTDC organizes U.S. Customs documentation to maintain 100% compliance with CBP, TTB, and the State of Florida. For liquor samples, WTDC maintains licensing with the State of Florida and TTB, and is well versed in the COLA waiver process.
WTDC acts as an extension of the Duty-Free and Travel Retail distribution infrastructure for our customers. We have extensive experience handling inventory of duty-free liquor, tobacco, electronics, jewelry, and fragrances.

WTDC – Duty Free and Travel Retail Logistics

 

 

New racks

WTDC recently invested in new racks for the warehouse. Because safety is our first priority and WTDC handles heavy commodities such as spirits, we require an extra sturdy double post welded frame and wedge anchors to the floor. The set up was completed with new beams, wire decks, and post protectors.

World’s largest container ship – MSC Irina

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WTDC Newsletter – March 15th, 2023

  • President’s Corner
  • Sean Gazitua mentioned in South Florida Business Journal
  • MSC Irina: Largest container ship in the world
  • WTDC’s 46th Anniversary
  • PortMiami 2035 master plan
  • PortMiami welcomes its first LNG cargo vessel
  • Global air passenger industry recovered significantly in 2022

 

President’s Corner

Last week marked WTDC’s 46th business anniversary and today the company also celebrated 6800 days accident-free! From the daily security briefing, to facility and equipment upgrades, to our recent C-TPAT recertification, an emphasis on safety and security is part of WTDC’s company culture.

Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

Sean Gazitua mentioned in South Florida Business Journal

Last week WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua was mentioned in two articles covering his recent appointment to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors: South Florida Business Journal and the Biscayne Bay Tribune.

South Florida Business Journal – People on the Move

Biscayne Bay Tribune – Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Appoints New Board Members

 

MSC Irina: Largest container ship in the world

This week MSC announced the debut of the world’s largest container ship: MSC Irina. With a capacity of 24,346 TEU, MSC Irina is part of MSC’s largest fleet expansion in history which also includes MSC Tessa. MSC took possession of MSC Tessa on the same day as the Irina and the vessel also boasts over 24,000 TEU capacity.

AJOT – MSC vessel “Irina” is the world’s largest container ship

 

WTDC’s 46th Anniversary

On March 8th, WTDC celebrated 46 years in business! Thank you to our customers and dedicated team for continuously elevating the company to new heights.

 

PortMiami 2035 master plan

Last week, Miami-Dade County Commissioners awarded a total of 17.6 million to four contractors for PortMiami’s 2035 master plan – the Seaport’s Capital Improvements Program. The 2035 master plan calls for better efficiency within the current space occupied by the port.

Miami Today – PortMiami builds team for billions in new projects

 

PortMiami welcomes its first LNG cargo vessel

On Sunday, March 12, PortMiami welcomed its first cargo vessel using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. The vessel was the first container ship in the world to be converted from diesel to LNG.

Miami-Dade County – PortMiami bunkers Seaboard Marine’s first LNG cargo vessel

 

Global air passenger industry recovered significantly in 2022

The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) reported a strong recovery in the global air space, as total traffic increased 64.4% compared to 2021. All regions saw growth in air travel as restrictions eased.
WTDC is IATA certified to send air cargo on passenger airplanes and is a licensed Independent Air Carrier (IAC).

Contact WTDC for your next air shipment!

Travel Markets Insider – IATA: 2022 ends on a strong note for the global air passenger industry

PortMiami building world’s largest shore power system

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WTDC Newsletter – March 2nd, 2023

  • President’s Corner
  • FIU Religious Studies visit
  • PortMiami building world’s largest shore power system
  • Chassis Dispute rules in favor of motor carriers
  • Live Like Bella 5k
  • WTDC rebrands with a new logo
  • Health and Wellness
  • Florida cruise and seaports broke records in 2022
  • Spirituality in the Workplace

 

President’s Corner

We have a new logo! The ‘Worldwide Logistics’ below our company name highlights WTDC’s evolution as a transportation and logistics company beyond the brick and mortar of our FTZ warehouse. We are excited to roll out this new company look in step with changes at the company to grow these services!

Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

FIU Religious Studies visit

The FIU Religious Studies Department joined WTDC for lunch on Thursday, March 2nd. Chair of Religious Studies at FIU Erik Larson and Assistant Teaching Professor Dr. Jeanette Smith visited WTDC to discuss the company’s Spirituality in the Workplace initiative.

 

PortMiami building world’s largest shore power system

Following a 2021 shore power commitment by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, PortMiami is scheduled to receive five shore power systems to be installed by the end of 2023.
The five new shore power systems by PowerCon will significantly reduce cruise ship emissions from ships berthing in PortMiami. The system will provide electricity for the terminals that carry Virgin, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC Cruise line.

MarineLog – PortMiami to deploy world’s largest shore power system

MarineLink – PortMiami to Get World’s Largest Shore Power System

 

Chassis dispute rules in favor of motor carriers

On February 6th, a judge under the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) ruled that requiring motor carriers to use specific chassis providers in order to move containers violates The Shipping Act. The complaint against the ocean carriers arose in 2020, when the Intermodal Motor Carrier Conference (IMCC) alleged that ocean carriers denied them the right to choose their provider when leasing essential equipment.

Transportation Today – Federal judge rules in favor of chassis choice for motor carriers

Freight Waves – Intermodal truckers secure win against ocean carriers

 

Live Like Bella 5k

On Saturday, February 18th, WTDC started their day early to support the Live Like Bella Superhero 5k. The Live Like Bella Foundation was created in an effort to end childhood cancer and support affected families.
Thank you to WTDC General Manager Vera Gazitua for organizing our team again this year!

 

WTDC rebrands with a new logo

In time for our 46th anniversary on March 8th, WTDC is rebranding with a new company logo. As a NVOCC, IAC, and freight forwarder for over ten years, WTDC manages transportation and logistics throughout the world on a daily basis.

 

Health and Wellness

On Friday, February 24th, Andrea De La Madriz visited WTDC for yoga and a meditation session.
WTDC’s Health and Wellness Initiative encourages staff to adopt healthy living to improve mental and physical wellness.

Schedule a class with Andrea

 

Florida cruise and seaports broke records in 2022

Port Canaveral was the busiest Florida cruise port in 2022 with 4,072,396 multi-day passengers, surpassing PortMiami’s 4,022,544.
Florida sea ports also reported record high is 2022. 112.5 million tons were received by all Florida sea ports. Florida’s 16 public sea ports have shown to be efficient and reliable, positioning themselves to gain a larger market-share in the next five years.

AJOT – Florida seaports see record-high cargo in 2022
Seatrade Cruise News – Port Canaveral overtook Miami as world’s busiest cruise port in 2022

 

Spirituality in the Workplace

On Sunday, February 26th, WTDC staff visited Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church as part of our Spirituality in the Workplace initiative. The service was led by community leader and longtime pastor Dr. Walter T. Richardson. Afterwards, WTDC shared lunchwhile discussing the sermon at Los Ranchos Steakhouse.
WTDC Spirituality in the Workplace committee attends places of worship not to convert or espouse any one faith or doctrine but to educate and inspire WTDC employees to better themselves through faith of any kind whether it be Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, or other.

Miami International Airport reports its busiest year

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WTDC Newsletter – February 17, 2023

  • President’s Corner
  • MIA reports busiest year
  • Air Cargo – WTDC
  • WTDC Picnic
  • Valentines Day Lunch
  • FCBF Meeting

 

President’s Corner

As consumer spending changes from favoring durable goods to services, as reported in January, tourism and the accompanying travel retail sectors stand to benefit. Travel numbers are booming in North America and the Caribbean, as seen by record numbers at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Nassau Port. Our customers are increasing inventories in plans to stay ahead of this growth.

We are reinvesting in our technology, facilities, and employees in 2023. We have 29 wonderful tenants who lease office space at WTDC. A new perimeter fence and cosmetic upgrades will make the facility a safer and more appealing environment. A new yard mule, new servers, cameras, and warehousing technology will be implemented this quarter to improve the Operations. And most importantly, our employees will benefit from a new incentive program to be rolled out this month.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

MIA reports busiest year

Miami International Airport served a record 50.6 million passengers in 2022, surpassing Orlando International Airport (MCO) by 500,000 travelers, making MIA the busiest airport in Florida.
“In addition to MIA leading our community’s successful economic recovery from the pandemic, it is again leading the way for the state of Florida as well! Congratulations to the MIA team and partners on surpassing 50 million passengers for the first time in its history. Passenger growth represents tourism revenue, job creation, and expanded opportunities in Miami-Dade County – making all county residents proud,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

 

Air Cargo – WTDC

WTDC is a TSA licensed Independent Air Carrier (IAC) and is IATA approved to send cargo on passenger airplanes. From small shipments to oversized cargo, WTDC works with our customers to ensure on-time delivery in-full. Through our global agent network WCA, WTDC can provide worldwide door to door transportation services. Can we help you with an upcoming shipment? Contact WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez for a quote.

 

WTDC Picnic

On Saturday, February 11th, WTDC staff and their families gathered at Matheson Hammock Park for our annual company picnic. Beautiful weather only added to a day of food, drinks, games and relaxing in our boho lounge overlooking the park. A dominoes tournament, tug of war, and cornhole brought out everyone’s competitive spirit. Thank you to WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez and her events committee for organizing the event!

 

Valentines Day Lunch

On Tuesday, February 14th, WTDC celebrated Valentine’s Day with lunch at our favorite sushi spot Miyako Japanese Restaurant. Happy belated Valentine’s Day!

 

FCBF Meeting

On February 15th, WTDC Logistics Manager Ginger Diez and Sales and Marketing Manager Sean Powers attended the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (FCBF) meeting on the topic of Broker Regulation Modernization.
Speakers Lenny Feldman of Sandler, Travis, & Rosenberg, P.A and Sharon Garcia of Crowley Logistics detailed changes to the broker regulations with case studies.

WTDC’s Internship Program Marks 15 Years

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WTDC Newsletter – January 17, 2023

  • President’s Corner
  • Pajama Drive for His House
  • FAA Grounds All Flights
  • WTDC Internship Program
  • Travel Markets Insider
  • Spirituality in the Workplace
  • Port Everglades Picks up CMA CGM West Coast South America Service

 

President’s Corner

I hope your 2023 is off to a great start! The new year brings fresh perspective, and we are so excited to welcome two new Interns to WTDC. For fifteen years now, WTDC’s Internship Program has introduced over 125 students to logistics. While cultivating their professional skills, they in-turn bring fresh ideas to our company.

This spring, WTDC has two new Interns joining our team from FIU: Joshua Fletcher and Valentina Rojas. WTDC has also retained two former Interns, Fernando Menendez and Leilani Shirvis, to work with WTDC part-time.

Lets have a great year!

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

Pajama Drive for His House

WTDC donated 220 pairs of new pajamas to the children of His House Children’s Home. Thanks to the generous donations of our friends, families, customers, and employees we exceeded our 8th Annual Pajama Drive goal. Way to go Ginger Diez, WTDC Logistics Manager and coordinator of the pajama drive!

His House is a private non-profit faith-based organization dedicated to restoring the lives of children from newborn to 18 years of age in Miami Gardens, FL.

 

FAA Grounds All Flights

On Wednesday, January 11, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experienced a system-wide outage and the halting of takeoffs for about 90 minutes. This marked the first grounding of all flights since 9/11.

The FAA traced the problem to a damaged database file and caused thousands of flight disruptions.

Click Here for the Full Article

 

WTDC Internship Program

Joshua Fletcher is currently a student at Florida International University (FIU) and is an Intern for WTDC’s Operations and Customer Service department. He is pursuing his Bachelor’s in Business Administration majoring in International Business and is on pace to graduate Spring of 2024.

Valentina Rojas is a FIU student and is an Intern for WTDC’s Operations and Customer Service department. Originally from Colombia, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in International Business. She will graduate Fall of 2024.

 

Travel Markets Insider

WTDC President & CEO Sean Gazitua was mentioned in Volume 24 (January 2023) of the Travel Markets Insider Newsletter for his recent appointment to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors.

Mr. Gazitua was one of six new members of the AACT Board of Directors named by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners in November 2022.

TMI Newsletter Vol.24

 

Spirituality in the Workplace

On Sunday, January 8th, WTDC visited St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church as part of our Spirituality in the Workplace Initiative. After leading Mass, Father Aristidis gave WTDC staff a tour of the church explaining the iconograhy and later joined us for lunch at Los Ranchos.

Our friends at St. Andrew’s hosted their 41st Annual Greek Festival this past weekend. Be sure to check it out next year!

 

Port Everglades Picks up CMA CGM West Coast South America Service

On Saturday, January 7th, Port Everglades received its first call from CMA CGM’s AMERICAS XL. The global ocean carrier is the only direct service connecting West Coast of South America to United States’ East Coast.

Click Here for the Full Article

WTDC’s 10th Anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone

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WTDC Newsletter – December 16, 2022

  • President’s Corner
  • ProChile visits WTDC
  • The last 747
  • WTDC’s 10th Anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone
  • Sound Meditation
  • Fire Drill with MDPD
  • Azamara Onward makes first call to PortMiami

 

President’s Corner

As I look back on 2022, I am so grateful for our customers. Through service to our customers, employees, and community we’ve had opportunities to progress as a company.

In 2023 we look forward to implementing our EDI bridge developed over the past year. We upgraded our forklift fleet, trailer spotter, and made a number of improvements to our facility. Next year we will continue to reinvest in ourselves, building our team and upgrading security for our technology and facility.

This year we expanded our Health and Wellness initiatives with more mindfulness sessions and workouts, full health insurance coverage, healthy lunches for all employees, and improved our on-site workout room. We countered the rise in gas prices with a fuel allowance and put incentive programs in place for all employees.

WTDC celebrated our 45th anniversary in March and that enthusiasm has held strong in all aspects of the business. I am most proud of the way our employees have taken ownership of our community initiatives over the past year. We look forward to working with our customers to better their WTDC experience in 2023.

Wishing you a Happy Holidays!

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

ProChile visits WTDC

On December 7, WTDC welcomed ProChile Trade Commissioner Claudia Ferrer and Trade Manager Jaime Silva to our offices. In cooperation with Empresas Perrot, our Chilean logistics partner, WTDC is committed to providing logistics solutions to support the mission of ProChile: growing exports from Chile.

 

The last 747

After 54 years of production, the Boeing 747 has been discontinued. The jet modernized air travel and allowed comfort on long trips. While new 747’s are not being made, existing jets will still be used for both cargo and passenger flights.

 

WTDC’s 10th Anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone

On December 12th, WTDC celebrated its 10th anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone. WTDC was the first operating FTZ in PortMiami’s FTZ 281. Thank you to our grantee PortMiami, our customers, and our employees for helping our vision become a reality.

 

Sound Meditation

On Friday, December 9th, Andrea De La Madriz led a sound meditation session at WTDC. As part of our Health and Wellness Initiative, WTDC encourages our employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

 

Fire Drill with MDPD

On Monday, December 12, WTDC held a fire drill with the help of the Neighborhood Resource Unit of Miami-Dade Police Department. Thank you to our staff and tenants for your cooperation!

 

Azamara Onward makes first call to PortMiami

Azamara’s newest ship the Azamara Onward arrived to PortMiami to a welcoming party of Miami-Dade County officials this week. The cruise will have a short run from Miami before moving to Europe in the Spring.