WTDC Newsletter
March 2, 2026
President’s Corner
WTDC Celebrates 49 years in business
March 8th marks an extraordinary milestone for WTDC, 49 years in business. WTDC’s success is defined by our people, our loyal customers who place their trust in us and our dedicated employees who bring our mission to life each and every day.
Ever since our family company was founded in 1977 by my grandfather, father, and uncle, WTDC has operated by the highest of principles, now defined as our Four Pillars:
God and Family have always been at the center of our foundation, an example instilled by my father Ralph’s role as a Deacon in the Catholic Church. We recognize that our work is meaningful because it supports families, strengthens relationships, and allows us to serve with integrity and purpose. Many of our employees and customers have been part of the WTDC family for decades, and that continuity is something we deeply cherish.
Health and Education represent our commitment to growth. Through our deep ties with FIU and initiatives like the Internship Program, we invest in the future. WTDC continues to invest in the health of our employees by covering the cost of healthy lunches, encouraging participation in charity walks, and installing an employee gym and spa in our building this year.
Community has always been a responsibility we embrace with pride. Charities benefiting children are near and dear to our heart: Angel Tree, His House Children’s Home, Live Like Bella, Lotus House Women’s Shelter reflect our belief that businesses must serve something greater than themselves. Our involvement the arts, civic, charitable, and education reflect our commitment to giving back to a community that has given us so much.
And finally, WTDC, the pillar that brings everything together. By prioritizing the first 3 pillars, we can be better people and better employees. Our continued growth in FTZ warehousing, Duty Free & Travel Retail logistics, door to door worldwide transportation, brokerage, and FTZ Consulting have only been possible because of the dedication, professionalism, and pride our employees bring to their work. As shared in recent newsletters, we are energized by welcoming new customers, strengthening global partnerships, and representing WTDC at conferences and leadership forums in the coming year. Each step forward builds upon the trust earned over the past 49 years.
To our employees, thank you for your hard work, loyalty, and commitment to excellence.
To our customers, thank you for your continued confidence and partnership.
As we look toward our 50th year and beyond, we do so with humility, gratitude, and renewed purpose. Guided by our four pillars and strengthened by our people, WTDC’s greatest achievements are not behind us, they are still ahead.
Best Regards,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
U.S. Supreme Court repeals Trump’s IEEPA tariffs
On February 20, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed by President Trump exceeded the powers given to the president by Congress in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The repeal makes an estimated $175 billion in tariffs collected under the IEEPA eligible for refund.
The ruling resulted in an immediate response from the White House which implemented a 10% broad tariff and announced a 15% broad tariff. The 10% tariff was already in effect as of February 24th.
AP: Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, sparking fierce pushback and vow of new levies
White House: Ending Certain Tariff Actions
AP: Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, sparking fierce pushback and vow of new levies
Panama seizes control of port operations, APM Terminals now operating Port of Balboa
On February 23, APM Terminals began operations at Port Balboa on Panama’s west coast following a January decision by Panama’s Supreme Court to strip the operation from Hong Kong’s CK Hutchinson after nearly three decades in operation. The take over grants APM temporary operation for 18 months and use of all existing infrastructure. Terminal Investment Limited, a division of MSC, will operate the Port of Cristobal on Panama’s east coast.
Container Management: APM Terminals Begins Operations at Balboa as Panama Completes Hutchison Handover
NBC News: Panama seizes two key ports from Hong Kong group amid U.S.-China canal dispute
Internship Program
Spring 2026 Interns: Justin Gamiz, Jaiden Lee-Jones, Marjorie Middlesteadt, Amanda Garcia, Walter Acevedo, not pictured: Chris Lantigua
WTDC has mentored over 100 interns since implementing an internship program in 2018. Students gain direct insights into supply chain management, regulatory compliance, and the day-today coordination to move goods across borders. The program pairs technical instruction with mentorship from experienced professionals, creating an immersive learning environment rarely replicated in the classroom.
Dr. David Wernick, longtime academic partner, credits the program with delivering meaningful impact for his students.
“Our longstanding partnership with WTDC has been a game changer for my students. In addition to funding scholarships for students to travel to India to participate in our Bandhwari Women’s Project, the company has hosted dozens of my students as interns, where they have learned about the logistics industry and global trade from a team of talented and dedicated professionals,” Wernick said. “Moreover, my students have learned about the importance of hard work, integrity, honor, and social responsibility, as these are core values at the heart of WTDC’s business. I look forward to deepening this remarkable partnership in the years to come.”
WTDC Intern Jaiden Lee-Jones, who is pursuing a master’s degree in international business at Florida International University, has described his experience as transformative.
“I want to thank WTDC for the opportunity to intern with such an incredible family-owned logistics company and for modeling a culture built on strong values,” Lee-Jones said. “As a master’s student in international business, hands-on experience and exposure to international professionals have been both inspiring and transformative. I am truly grateful for the impact WTDC has had on me and will continue to carry those lessons forward throughout my career.”
By immersing students in operational environments and reinforcing professional ethics, companies can bridge the gap between academic theory and applied practice.
For WTDC, the internship program goes beyond a traditional recruitment tool, it is a meaningful investment in the future of global trade and talent development. By preparing professionals who understand not only how to move cargo efficiently but also how to lead with accountability and purpose, WTDC is shaping a workforce ready for an increasingly connected marketplace. As partnerships with educational institutions grow, the program stands as a strong example of how private industry can collaborate with academia to develop the next generation of logistics leaders while staying true to its core values.
-Article by Jaiden Lee-Jones