School Supplies for Lotus House

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WTDC Newsletter

August 3, 2023

Lotus House – School Supplies

The children of Lotus House Women’s Shelter will be ready for the school year! WTDC dropped off 2 carloads full of school supplies yesterday. Thank you to all who donated including our employees and our corporate partners from ASCI, Amerijet International, DFASS Group, First Choice CHB, LAS Worldwide, MVC Transportation, and Uniworld Trucking. Elizabeth Blake, Lotus House Community Outreach Coordinator, pictured with WTDC. Great work WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez on organizing this drive!

Lotus House – Get Involved

Lotus House and WTDC display school supplies donations.

Elizabeth Blake, Lotus House Community Outreach Coordinator, pictured with WTDC President & CEO Sean Gazitua, Transportation Manager Castell Chavez, Office Manager Daniel Fajardo, and Sales & Marketing Manager Sean Powers.

President’s Corner

I had a fun morning today shooting the new promo video for FIU’s Roar Lounge with my friend, colleague, and FIU Alumni Board President JC Alexander. I currently serve as the Vice President and will assume the President duties after JC’s term ends. Together we are energizing our students and alumni through events like Block Party to support the ongoing mission of FIU. Go Panthers!
Best Regards,
Sean Gazitua, WTDC President & CEO

 

Annual Panther Block Party

Join your FIU Alumni waterside at the 2023 Panther Block Party! Meet us at Monty’s in Coconut Grove on August 12th for an afternoon of music, food, drinks, giveaways, special appearances and so much more. Bring your friends and family! (children ages 12 and under are free). The Panther Block Party is open to the public, and proceeds support FIU Alumni.

MDPD assisted Fire Drill

Thank you to Miami-Dade Police Department’s Neighborhood Resource Unit for supervising our Fire Drill today. WTDC conducts two fire drills on a yearly basis to ensure the safety of our tenants and employees.

Safety:19 years and counting

This week we celebrated a safety milestone: 19 years without an injury accident! Each morning our staff are reminded of forklift safety best practices to protect themselves and their fellow employees.

WTDC provides air, ocean, and over the road transportation services worldwide.

Panama Canal drought forces shipping vessels to cut weight

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WTDC Newsletter – May 24, 2023

Panama Canal drought forces shipping vessels to cut weight
Beginning today, May 24th, vessels crossing the Panama Canal will be subject to additional transit fees and be required to reduce their drafts by carrying less or reducing the weight of their loads due to a drought affecting the region. Only half the usual amount of rain fell from February to April this year, leading to an expected historic low in July of Lake Gatun – one of the two main lakes on the Panama Canal.

Bloomberg: Panama Canal Imposes Shipping Restrictions to Cope With Worsening Drought

President’s Corner

Last week was one for the record books at WTDC. It was a week that saw our family and business values tie together so well. In fantastic sales meetings and then again to a delegation of students and everyone that gathered for my father’s birthday, we had the opportunity to tell our Gazitua family and WTDC company story. Our company core values of God and Family, Health and Education, Community, and WTDC were emphatically on full display.

We invited University of Galway students and sales prospects to tour our Miami Foreign Trade Zone Warehouse.  They learned about our company while our employees shared how they impact our community. My mother and I participated in the new FIU President’s Investiture Ceremony. Lastly, my uncle John – a founder and former President of WTDC – tied it all together on Friday. At my father’s birthday celebration he spoke of the importance of spirituality and work ethic that his parents, my grandparents, instilled in the family.  We subsequently instilled these values into the company.

Wishing you a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Best Regards,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

PortMiami announces busiest cruise passenger day ever

On May 16, PortMiami announced that a record 67,594 cruise passengers passed through its terminals on Sunday, April 9, 2023. The previous record was 58,984 from February 12th of this year.

 

Sean Gazitua carries Torch of Knowledge at new FIU President Ken Jessell’s Investiture Ceremony

On May 18, Sean Gazitua had the honor of representing all FIU students and alumni at the Investiture Ceremony for new FIU President Dr. Ken Jessell. Sean carried the Torch of Knowledge as the Vice President of FIU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Sean and his mother Cookie attended the Investiture Ceremony, living our company pillars of Education and Community. Cookie attended in her role as a Senior Board Member of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU. Proud day for WTDC and the Gazitua family at FIU!

Photo os Sean Gazitua appearing in cap and gown holding torch at investiture FIU President Ken Jessell

On May 18, 2023, Sean Gazitua had the honor of representing all FIU students and alumni at the Investiture Ceremony for new FIU President Dr. Ken Jessell. Sean carried the Torch of Knowledge as the Vice President of FIU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

 

University of Galway visit

On May 16th, WTDC had the privilege of hosting 57 students from the University of Galway – Master of Science in International Management in conjunction with FIU College of Business. Our management staff and Interns from FIU thereafter shared information about WTDC’s logistics services, corporate initiatives, and company values.

 

Community – PBA Gala

On Saturday, May 20th, WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua and his wife Cookie (pictured above) attended the 2023 South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Law Enforcement Awards. The Gazitua family sponsors a table each year to support the organization that has supported our law enforcement officers for 60 years. Mr. Gazitua served as a Police Chaplain for Miami-Dade Police Department and Everglades Correctional Institution for over 20 years until his retirement in 2021.

 

WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua celebrates 76th birthday at WTDC

On Friday, May 19th, WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua celebrated his 76th birthday with family, friends, and employees at WTDC. Thank you to Miami-Dade County Commissioner JC Bermudez, Saint John Neumann’s Father Alfaro, and all of our friends and family who attended.

 

Red Nose Day

Thursday, May 25th, 2023, is Red Nose Day. Each year, WTDC in Miami supports Red Nose Day and its efforts to break the cycle of child poverty as well as to ensure children are healthy, safe, educated, and empowered across the US. Red noses are available for a small donation at any Walgreens location.

 

Looking for South Florida crossdock or transload services for PortMiami or Port Everglades? Contact WTDC today (sales@wtdc.com) for container and flat rack loadings and unloadings in our FTZ bonded 6 acre yard just west of Miami International Airport.

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.

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

FIU IBHS Bandhwari Scholarship

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WTDC Newsletter – November 15, 2022

  • Presidents Corner – EDI Integration
  • FIU IBHS Scholarship
  • Spirituality in the Workplace – St. Dominic Catholic Church
  • Thanksgiving Food Drive for Lotus House
  • Pajama Drive for HisHouse
  • Health and Wellness – Peak360 CrossFit

 

President’s Corner
After months of development, WTDC began rolling out our new EDI interface with customers this summer. We are now in the process of linking our WMS with the existing systems of our customers. This technology streamlines order processing and US Customs documentation. By continuing to invest in technology, we can offer a better customer experience. If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact me and I would be happy to help you.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

FIU IBHS Scholarship

On Thursday, November 10th, WTDC presented Kassandra Perez, FIU IBHS student, with a $1,500 scholarship towards travel for the Bandhwari Project, a micro-enterprise in India led by IBHS students focused on providing women economic opportunities.

WTDC has sponsored the program since 2015. The presentation fostered a great round-table discussion about the value of making and maintaining business relationships, FIU’s international reach, and giving back. In attendance was Dean Hardin III of FIU College of Business, WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua, WTDC Interns Fernando Menendez and Leilani Shirvis, faculty and staff from FIU Alumni, College of Business, as well as IBHS students.

Congratulations Kassandra!

 

Spirituality in the Workplace

WTDC visited St. Dominic Catholic Church on Sunday, November 13th, as part of the Spirituality in the Workplace initiative. Fr. Orlando Cardozo joined us for a meal and discussion afterwards at Novecento restaurant. WTDC will now be offering Emmaus retreats for our staff through their church.

 

Thanksgiving Food Drive

WTDC’s 4th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive’s last day to donate is tomorrow, November 16th. Please join us in supporting Lotus House, the largest shelter for women and children in the country.

Donation drop off will be at WTDC Operations and Suite 217.

Can’t make it to WTDC? Contact WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez for more ways to donate.

 

Pajama Drive for His House

Join WTDC in donating new pajamas for the children of His House Children’s Home in our 8th Annual Pajama Drive. Donations can be dropped off or addressed to WTDC. Thank you for your years of support!

Can’t make it to WTDC? Contact WTDC Logistics Manager Ginger Diez for more ways to donate.

 

Health and Wellness

On Saturday, November 12th, the WTDC team joined Chairman Ralph Gazitua at Peak360 for a CrossFit class. As part of our Health and Wellness initiative, we encourage our staff to prioritize health for an overall improved life. Thank you Guido for the class!

For additional photos, click here