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.

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.

 

 

 

 

WTDC wins two awards from The Moodie Davitt Report

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WTDC Newsletter – October 19, 2021

  • President’s Corner
  • WTDC wins two Travel Retail Superstar awards from Moodie Davitt
  • WTDC wears pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • FIU Surfside Memorial – WTDC Chairman and Deacon Ralph L. Gazitua leads prayer
  • 237,000 passengers sailed on Carnival Cruise Line since restart
  • Congestion troubles reach Port of Savannah
  • Florida Ports Council promotes Florida ports as congestion cure

 

President’s Corner

 

Last week we were thrilled to learn WTDC was honored with two awards for our logistics services in the duty free and travel retail industry (article below). We share these awards with our customers who have worked with us over the years to hone our skills and services. As a family owned and operated company we are humbled and grateful for the continued opportunity to service the top performers in the duty free and travel retail industry Congratulations to our Customer Service and Operations staff for their award winning performance. Way to go Team WTDC!

Stay healthy,Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

The Travel Retail Superstars Awards – WTDC wins 2 awards
Send an email to WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua

 

On October 15, WTDC received two Travel Retail Superstars Awards from duty free and travel retail publisher The Moodie Davitt Report. Team WTDC won the Star Team Americas: Logistics/ Warehouse Award and WTDC President & CEO Sean Gazitua won the Humanity, Leadership, & Inspiration Award.The 2021 Travel Retail Superstars Awards were the first edition of an annual awards for travel retail employees across airport, airline, downtown store and cruise sectors.

 

The Moodie Davitt Report: Breaking News: “A celebration of the human spirit” —The Travel Retail Superstars Awards Winners revealed
237,000 passengers sailed Carnival Cruise Line since restart

 

Since its sailing restart in July 2021 Carnival Cruise Line has welcomed 237,000 guests from US homeports. Half the Carnival fleet is now in service and they plan to have all ships in service by Spring 2022.

 

CruiseHive: 237,000 Carnival Cruise Line Guests Have Sailed Since Resuming Operations
 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Mont
WTDC wears Pink for October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and WTDC wore pink to show our support. Miami Cancer Institute has a wealth of educational resources available and we welcome you to visit their website for more information.
FIU Surfside Memorial

 

On October 13, the FIU community gathered to remember the 98 lives that were lost during the Surfside condominium collapse on June 24, 2021. FIU President Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg invited WTDC Chairman and Deacon Ralph L. Gazitua to lead the prayer for the lives that were lost, all families affected by this tragedy, and the first responders who assisted in the rescue and recovery.WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua leads the prayer at FIU Surfside Memorial on October 13, 2021.

 

 

 

Vessels backed up outside Savannah port

 

The Port of Savannah had 25 container vessels docked off its shores last week waiting for offload, the latest logistical backlog as US ports scramble to process thousands of containers.

 

NewsNation: Supply chain crunch also having an impact on Savannah, Georgia, port

 

 

 

 

 

Florida Ports Council promotes Florida ports as solution to congestion crisis

 

The Florida Ports Council is weighing in on the congestion that has plagued west coast ports for weeks and is now building in Savannah. PortMiami is big ship ready and does not have a container backlog, an ideal destination for bookings that will be offloaded in time for Christmas.“Florida is where your success comes in, and our seaports are the solution to ensure the cargo shipping logjam doesn’t become the grinch that stole Christmas,” said Michael Rubin, President and CEO,
Florida Ports Council.“Florida is open for business, and we are the solution to help resolve the global supply chain crisis,” Rubin added. “Instead of waiting off the coast of California, cargo vessels can offload and move their product to Florida and other discretionary markets in the same time it takes to find space in an increasingly congested California.”

 

Florida Ports Council: Florida’s Answer to the Global Supply Chain Crisis: SAVE TIME & MONEY BY CALLING ON FLORIDA SEAPORTS

 

UK & EU reach Brexit trade deal

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WTDC Newsletter: January 4, 2021

  • President’s Corner: 6000 days accident free, 2021 outlook
  • UK & EU reach Brexit trade deal
  • PortMiami waives harbor and cruise berth fees
  • Miami International Airport extends relief for tenants
  • WTDC donated over 120 pajamas to His House Children’s Home
  • TTB to allow 700 ml bottles
President’s Corner
We kick off the first Monday in 2021 with a bit of good news: today marks 6000 days at WTDC without a safety incident. We began tracking our safety record in 2004 when I was working in WTDC Operations, learning our business from the ground up. We are extremely proud of our safety record and regularly implement best practices to ensure it continues. I will skip the 2020 recap and jump right into my outlook for 2021. I feel that our company is ready for nearly any opportunity that 2021 may present. I am optimistic about the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines and the return of cruising and airline passenger traffic. WTDC is committed to our Duty Free and Travel Retail clients as we await renewed consumer confidence in the travel sector. We’ve pivoted to be ready for new business from the renewable energy and medical equipment sectors. We are excited to grow WTDC Chile (more on that to come) as we build our transportation and customer service footprint with our Chilean logistics partner Empresas Perrot. WTDC Transportation and Customs Brokerage departments continue to grow alongside our FTZ inventory control clients. And our employees have bought in to our vision for navigating this new normal in 2021. We are grateful for their commitment. As always, I remain at your service. Wishing you health and prosperity in 2021. -Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
Send an email to WTDC President & CEO Sean Gazitua
 
UK & EU reach Brexit trade deal
On December 30, United Kingdom lawmakers signed off on the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union. The deal comes four years after the UK voted to leave the EU and retains the tariff free and quota free access to the EU that the UK was in jeopardy of losing if a deal was not in place on December 31, 2020. The trade deal will allow the UK to set its own labor and environmental standards with arbitration not based in the EU courts. The deal also reestablishes the UK’s rights over its fishing waters, raising its share from around half to two-thirds with the ability to establish annual negotiations with the EU and other countries. Bilateral trade between the UK and EU is worth more than 650 billion annually. Click the articles below for a in-depth review of industry sectors including automotive, chemicals, pharmaceutical, professional services, and trucking.
Financial Times: Brexit trade deal explained: the key parts of the landmark agreement
Bloomberg: Brexit Is a New World Businesses Still Need to Figure Out
PortMiami waives harbor and cruise berthing fees
“Miami-Dade County will continue to support our cruise line partners through these unprecedented times,” Ms. Levine Cava said in a statement. “As we await the safe return of cruising, we will maintain our commitment to our stakeholders who have shown great resilience during this crisis.” Miami-Dade County extended the PortMiami harbor and cruise berthing fee waivers until January 31, 2021, an extension of the waivers in place since March 13, 2020.
Miami Today: County extends fee waivers for PortMiami cruise ships
 
Miami International Airport extends relief for tenants
Miami-Dade Commissioners extended Miami International Airport’s tenant waiver for monthly rent and guaranteed payments until April 21, 2021. Since March 2020, MIA has waived over $8 million per month for the duty free shops, restaurants, car rental companies, and service businesses in the airport.
Miami Today: Miami International Airport may forgive tenants $107 million
 
WTDC donated over 120 pajamas to the children of His House
Thank you to our clients, tenants, and employees who helped us exceed our goal! Each year WTDC collects new pajamas for the children of His House Children’s Home, a non-profit faith-based organization committed to restoring the lives of children from newborn to 18 years of age.
WTDC Pajama drive for His House
 
TTB to allow 700 ml bottles
On December 29, the US Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) published new standards for allowable sizes of wines and spirits containers. Among the sizes to be allowed for the first time is the 700 ml bottle, the EU standard for three decades. The closest US equivalent is the 750 ml bottle. The new TTB standards aim to “eliminate restrictions on competition and the movement of goods in domestic and international commerce.” In addition to 700 ml imports, the rule also allows US distillers to bottle at 700 ml for international and domestic sale.
TTB: Addition of New Standards of Fill for Wine and Distilled Spirits
Whisky Cast: U.S. To Allow 700ml Whisky Bottles For First Time