Newsletters

5G roll out suspended near US airports

by

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

by

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
Ralph Gazitua WTDC Chaplain MDPD Retirement

Biden signs $550 billion infrastructure law

by

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

by

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.

Cutié appointed as Miami-Dade Aviation Director

by

WTDC Newsletter – September 16, 2021

President’s Corner

There are few things better in management than opening your inbox to find good news from a client on a job well done. Thank you to the WTDC Customer Service team!

I would also like to send congratulations to our friends at Magaya Corporation. This week they announced two acquisitions to bolster their logistics and supply chain software.

Cutié appointed as Miami-Dade Aviation Director
This week Ralph Cutié was appointed as Miami-Dade Aviation Director by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Ralph has served as interim director since June, demonstrating his great expertise and professional­ism, and his clear qualifications to serve in this important role,” the mayor wrote. A 30 year county veteran official, Cutié will oversee 1400 employees, a $945 million operating budget and a $4.5 billion capital budget.

Miami Today: Former assistant to run Miami International Airport

FMC moves forward with demurrage and detention initiatives

This week the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) voted unanimously to advance two demurrage and detention initiatives as part of Fact Finding 29. The framework could give trade and logistics professionals a means to protect themselves from unjust fees issued by carriers and terminals due to carrier availability and congestion at the ports.From the FMC: “The first initiative is to issue a policy statement on issues that affect the ability of shippers, truckers, and others to obtain reparations for conduct that violates the Shipping Act, including conduct related to demurrage and detention. The policy statement will provide guidance on the scope of the prohibition against carrier retaliation, when attorney fees may be imposed on a non-prevailing party, and who may file a complaint with the Commission alleging unreasonable conduct.Led by FMC Commissioner Rebecca Dye, Fact Finding 29, International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement, was created in order to identify operational solutions to cargo delivery system challenges related to Coronavirus-19. The second initiative included the hiring of an agency exporter advocate for FMC’s dispute resolution program CADRS .

FMC to Issue Guidance on Complaint Proceedings and Seek Comments on Demurrage and Detention Billing

Ralph L. Gazitua’s appearance with Pete De La Torre on The Age of Wellness
WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua was the lead guest on the launch of The Age of Wellness, hosted and created by Pete De La Torre. The show is available for viewing on Pete De La Torre’s YouTube channel. Topics include living a balanced life and corporate wellness. Click below to find The Pete De La Torre Show on YouTube and subscribe today!

The Pete De La Torre Show – The Age of Wellness

Disney Cruise Line returns to PortMiami in October 2021
Disney Cruise Line is ready to sail from PortMiami again in October 2021. The four and five night cruises of Disney Magic will call to the Bahamas and Mexico, respectively. Last week Disney revealed that the readers of Travel + Leisure voted Disney Cruise Line as Top Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line for the third consecutive year.
Cruise Hive: New Restart Dates Announced For Select Disney Cruise Ships

Logistics firm WTDC hires seven FIU Business interns

by

Read the original story at BizNews.fiu.edu

(l. to r.) Sean Gazitua, president and CEO of WTDC, with spring 2021 FIU interns Leahanna Sine (U.S.); Jibin Jinu, India; Calvin Mittra, Bangladesh; Julia Leitao, Brazil; Andressa Souza, Brazil; Isabella Palmese, Honduras; and Kristina Khudiakova, Russia.
When junior Kristina Khudiakova isn’t learning international business theory in class, she is putting it into practice as a digital marketing intern at WTDC, a global trade firm. Three days a week, Khudiakova heads into the office to create promotional videos and social media content. She films, edits and writes, working closely with employees and soaking up lessons covering all aspects of international business.

“I’m so grateful for this hands-on work opportunity where I can implement the concepts we study in the field I want to pursue,” said Khudiakova, president of FIU’s International Business Honor Society (IBHS). “They not only give me assignments, but we also talk a lot about other industries. I’m learning so much.”

Khudiakova is one of seven members of IBHS to be hired as a spring intern at WTDC, where FIU Alumni Association board of directors member Sean Gazitua (BBA ‘04) sits at the helm as president and CEO. It wasn’t Gazitua’s original plan to hire seven FIU interns, but he was so impressed by the crop of students he interviewed remotely last semester that he found a place at the company for each of their talents. The group also brings strong international experience to the business, hailing from Bangladesh, Brazil, Honduras, India and Russia as well as the U.S.

“The interns are amazing,” Gazitua said. “They bring a breath of fresh air. We’ve been doing this for a long time so we know what we are doing, but at the same time, technology is changing everything, so we want their opinions.”

Gazitua doesn’t have a preconceived list of internship slots to fill. Instead, he gauges student interest and comes up with individualized plans. When a current intern mentioned his interest in renewable energy, a lightbulb went off in Gazitua’s mind because he wants WTDC to become a green company. The intern is analyzing the company to find ways to reduce electricity consumption, as well as researching best practices employed by other companies.

The relationships that start as internships often evolve professionally. Gazitua has hired former interns into full-time jobs, and has used his connections around the world to help others find jobs in their home countries. He has found that international students often have language skills and a cultural understanding of markets WTDC works with as a global logistics provider.

David Wernick, teaching professor and faculty advisor IBHS, has helped connect FIU students with the company for years.

“I know these interns are going to get an amazing hands-on experience and be treated exceptionally well,” Wernick said. “They learn valuable lessons on teamwork, communication, and execution from a company on the front lines of the global economy. And WTDC gets a steady stream of students who are energetic and eager to learn, so it’s a win-win!”