WTDC’s internship program gives students and recent graduates a front‑row seat to how global logistics, customs, and foreign trade zones really work inside a live operation in Miami. Interns don’t just observe—they contribute to projects that touch warehousing, transportation, compliance, and even specialized areas like foreign trade zone consulting Miami companies rely on to stay competitive.
Real Logistics Experience In Miami’s Trade Gateway
WTDC is a family‑owned, full‑service logistics company and Foreign Trade Zone 281‑4 operator in Miami, specializing in international distribution and global transportation management. From its location near Miami International Airport and PortMiami, WTDC handles freight by road, rail, air, and ocean for importers, exporters, and duty‑free brands across the Americas.
Interns get exposure to:
- Daily warehouse operations, including cross‑dock and transload activities.
- Inventory management in bonded and FTZ environments.
- Documentation and coordination that keeps cargo compliant and on the move.
This hands‑on experience in a real supply chain environment is difficult to replicate in the classroom.
Inside A Foreign Trade Zone: Learning FTZ From The Source
WTDC was the first operating Foreign Trade Zone in PortMiami’s FTZ 281 under the Alternative Site Framework and now runs Foreign Trade Zone 281, Site 4. That makes its facility a powerful learning lab for anyone interested in FTZ operations, trade compliance, and duty‑management strategies.
Through projects and shadowing, interns see how:
- FTZ warehousing allows companies to defer, reduce, or eliminate duties on imported goods.
- Inventory moves between bonded, FTZ, and domestic status while staying under U.S. Customs and Border Protection oversight.
- FTZ inventory control systems support duty‑free and travel retail supply chains.
This exposure is especially valuable for students eyeing careers in FTZ consulting Miami businesses increasingly seek as they explore tariff‑savings opportunities.
Foreign Trade Zone Consulting Services And Career Insights
Beyond operating its own FTZ, WTDC offers foreign trade zone consulting services that guide companies through feasibility, activation, and ongoing compliance. Interns learn how a foreign trade zone consultant or FTZ consultant assesses whether an FTZ strategy makes sense for a business and then helps design compliant operations.
Key consulting elements WTDC is known for include:
- Feasibility studies and cost‑benefit analysis to estimate duty and tariff savings.
- Operations and compliance planning for inventory systems, CBP reporting, and audit readiness.
- Ongoing foreign trade zone consulting support to keep clients aligned with changing regulations.
Seeing this side of the business gives interns insight into how foreign trade zone consultants and FTZ consulting teams create value at the strategic level—not just in daily warehouse tasks.
Customs Brokerage And Trade Compliance Exposure
WTDC is also a licensed Miami customs broker, handling customs clearance, tariff classification, and documentation for imports moving through Miami. For interns, this means exposure to customs brokerage Florida‑style: fast‑paced, international, and tightly regulated.
They see how:
- Customs broker Miami FL teams classify goods and ensure accurate valuation.
- Documentation is filed electronically with CBP and other agencies.
- Customs brokers Miami and Miami customs brokers coordinate inspections and manage compliance risks.
For students curious about roles like customs broker near me, custom broker in Miami, or customs house broker, this experience is a practical preview of what those careers look like day to day.
Bonded Warehousing, Duty-Free, And Travel Retail
Because WTDC operates as both a U.S. Customs Bonded Warehouse and an FTZ, it plays a central role in duty‑free and travel retail logistics. Interns may help support accounts where spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, and other products are staged in Miami for distribution to cruise ships, duty‑free stores, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
This kind of work illustrates:
- How bonded warehousing and FTZ inventory control provide cash‑flow and tariff advantages.
- Why cargo brokers Miami and container freight stations rely on tight coordination with customs and carriers.
- How advanced inventory systems track SKUs, lots, and orders across multiple markets.
It’s an ideal environment for understanding global brand supply chains from inside a key U.S. gateway.
Skills Interns Develop At WTDC
Across rotations and projects, WTDC interns build a mix of technical and soft skills that translate well into logistics, trade, and consulting careers:
- Operational skills: Understanding freight forwarding, container handling, and warehouse workflows.
- Regulatory awareness: Basics of customs, FTZ regulations, and why companies hire foreign trade zone consulting Miami experts.
- Data and systems: Working with warehouse management and inventory control tools under compliance constraints.
- Professional skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving in a mid‑sized, family‑run logistics environment.
This combination makes graduates more competitive for roles in logistics firms, customs brokerage Miami operations, trade compliance departments, and FTZ consulting firms.
The WTDC Culture: Family-Owned And Globally Connected
Founded in 1977 and still owned and operated by the Gazitua family, WTDC blends a close‑knit culture with global reach. Interns benefit from direct access to leadership, mentorship from experienced logistics professionals, and the sense of being part of a trusted partner for well‑known international brands.
That culture reinforces:
- Accountability and customer service at a high level.
- Long‑term relationships with carriers, customs officials, and clients.
- A mindset that views interns as future industry professionals, not just temporary help.
It’s an environment where questions are welcomed and initiative is noticed.
How WTDC’s Other Services Enrich The Internship
WTDC’s broad service portfolio means interns see how multiple logistics disciplines connect:
- Freight forwarding and NVOCC operations for ocean and air cargo.
- Container freight station (CFS) and cross‑dock operations for consolidations and transloads.
- Packing, crating, and heavy‑lift services for oversized or high‑value freight.
Because the company also provides foreign trade zone consulting, FTZ consulting, and customs brokerage alongside physical warehousing and transportation, interns get a 360‑degree view of how strategy, compliance, and operations work together.
Getting Started With The WTDC Internship Program
Prospective interns typically come from fields like international business, supply chain, logistics, economics, or international relations, though WTDC has worked with a variety of academic backgrounds. Candidates who succeed in the program tend to be:
- Curious about global trade and willing to learn regulations and systems.
- Comfortable in a fast‑moving, deadline‑driven environment.
- Ready to contribute to real projects that affect customer shipments and compliance.
While details like application windows and requirements can change, interested students and recent graduates can explore the internship program and current opportunities by visiting WTDC’s internship page at
https://wtdc.com/internship-program/
and the main site at
For anyone looking to launch a career in logistics, customs, or foreign trade zone consulting services, WTDC’s internship offers a rare chance to learn inside an active FTZ and customs‑connected operation at the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.