Maersk and MSC terminate 2M Alliance

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WTDC Newsletter – February 2, 2023


President’s Corner
Last week was my first meeting as a Board Member of the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust. One mission of the Board is to expand programs in the Arts for the youth of Miami-Dade County. AileyCamp Miami is a six week full-scholarship summer program where over 1400 students have learned West African, jazz, modern, and ballet dance classes while also learning about nutrition, conflict resolution, drug prevention, and critical thinking. I’m honored to be a part of this Board giving back to our community and look forward to sharing the Arsht initiatives throughout my term.

Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

Maersk and MSC terminate 2M Alliance
Maersk and MSC announced on January 25th that they will dissolve the 2M Alliance. Beginning in 2015, the 2M Alliance was scheduled for a period of 10 years, with a two year notice period for termination. The two companies cited changes in their company strategy as the main reason for the split. Since the pandemic, MSC has been focused on expanding its fleet and service destinations while Maersk has built out its end-to-end services for customers.

SeaTrade Maritime – Maersk and MSC to disband the 2M alliance in 2025
FreightWaves – Container shipping shake-up: Maersk, MSC terminating 2M in 2025

Hamburg Süd among historic brand names retired by Maersk
Maersk’s announcement last week that it would retire the brand names Hamburg Süd, Sealand, and Twill sent ripples through the shipping industry. While Maersk has owned many of these brands for years, the companies continued to operate under their own flag. Maersk has assured customers that this will not cause a disruption in service, while competitors may anticipate an opportunity to move in. The Hamburg Süd brand had a good run, lasting over 150 years.

Arsht Center – First Board Meeting
On Thursday, January 27th, WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua attended his first meeting as a member of the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors.

Health and Wellness
On Friday, January 20th, Andrea De La Madriz visited WTDC staff for a sound meditation session as part of the company’s Health and Wellness Program.
WTDC’s Health and Wellness Program encourages staff to adopt a healthy lifestyle, which improves overall mental and physical wellness.

Port Everglades Rebranding
On January 25th, Port Everglades revealed their new logo as part of a rebranding campaign. The new logo represents the three main business sectors of the port – cruise, cargo, and energy – as well as it’s three core values, which are strength, resilience, and sustainability.
The new logo has been revealed just in time for the Sea Trade Cruise Global 2023. Port Everglades will host the event from March 27-30, 2023.
The Maritime Executive – Port Everglades Rebrands with Mighty Approach

Nassau Port records busiest day
In the span of just one week, Nassau Port has broken its record for one-day visitors on three occasions, reaching 26,396 passengers in one day.
The record reflects a great rebound in the cruise industry after the pandemic hiatus.
CruiseHive – Multiple Record-Breaking Days at Major Cruise Port

 

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.

CBP Modernizes Custom Broker Regulations

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WTDC Newsletter – November 2, 2022

      • CBP modernizes Custom Broker regulations
      • Virgin Voyages adds 2nd ship in Miami
      • Pajama Drive for His House Children’s Home,
      • FIU Religious Studies
      • Breast Cancer awareness
      • Halloween photos

President’s Corner
Can you believe it’s November already? Our employees are preparing for annual inventories and processing peak-season orders. Holiday gift baskets are ordered and our annual Pajama Drive and Thanksgiving Food Drive are in full swing. I welcome you to join us in our 8th Annual Pajama Drive for the children of His House. It is a great cause and the children are so appreciative of our annual donation. Additional details below.
Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

CBP Publishes Modernized Customs Broker Regulations
On October 18, CBP announced changes in the CFR that will be effective December 19, 2022: “Modernization of the Customs Broker Regulations” and “Elimination of Customs Broker District Permit Fee.”

The Final Rules include the acceptance of electronic forms of payment as well as an increase to license application fees. The new national framework eliminates district permits and the associated fees. Licensed customs brokers will be transitioned into the new national framework by CBP if they were operating with only a district permit and those already with a national permit will not be affected.

CBP’s Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith: “Customs brokers are an integral part of the U.S. and international trade communities. CBP collaborated with the trade community on key recommendations, including a single, national permit for brokers and enhanced electronic processing capabilities, which have been addressed in the modernized customs broker regulations,” Highsmith said. “The updated regulations highlight CBP’s efforts to provide customs brokers with the tools they need to effectively operate in the current business environment while preserving robust U.S. trade operations.”

Article: CBP Publishes Modernized Customs Broker Regulations

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!

FIU Religious Studies
On Thursday, October 27th, Sean Gazitua spoke to an FIU Religious Studies course about his responsibilities as President and CEO as well as measures WTDC has in place as an ethical and responsible employer. The course entitled “Thou Shalt Not Steal: Wage Theft and Moral Thought” is led by Professor Jeanette Smith. WTDC is working with the FIU Religious Studies program as an extension of its Spirituality in the Workplace committee.

Breast Cancer Awareness
WTDC staff wore pink on October 21st in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Educating women on the impact of breast cancer is a goal each October. Being proactive with exams and detection can save lives. We wish you and your families good health!

Meet our Interns for Fall 2022
Welcome to WTDC’s Interns for the Fall 2022 semester!

Fernando Menendez, pictured right, is currently a student at Florida International University and is an Intern for WTDC’s Operations and Customer Service department. He is pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Finance and is on pace to graduate by 2025.

Leilani Shirvis, pictured left, is a Florida International University student and is an Intern for WTDC’s Sales and Marketing department. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, double majoring in International Business and Marketing. She graduates December 2023.

Happy Halloween from WTDC
On Monday, October 31st, WTDC celebrated Halloween with a Wild Wild West theme. The annual tradition featured a lunch catered by Shorty’s BBQ and a costume contest. Congratulations to WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez and her daughter Sofia for taking the award for best dressed as a ‘bank robber and bag of money’. The western theme was a big hit!

Virgin Voyages adds second ship to PortMiami fleet
Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady arrived at its new winter home in PortMiami at the end of October. This second ship from Virgin will sail regularly around the Caribbean this fall and winter before returning to the Mediterranean in spring.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, was present during the ships welcoming to PortMiami. Valiant Lady departed for Bimini on October 30th for it’s ‘Mermaiden Voyage’, where it will try to set a Guinness World Record for “most mermaids in one place”.

 

WTDC celebrates 45 years

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Family owned logistics business WTDC celebrates its 45th Anniversary on March 8th, 2022.

President and CEO Sean Gazitua says this 45 year milestone is a testament to the dedication of its employees and the willingness of the company to reinvent itself over the years. The company was founded in 1977 as the first General Order (G.O.) warehouse in Miami, Florida. Today, WTDC is an internationally respected full-service logistics company and Foreign Trade Zone.

“Serving the logistics needs of our customers is not without its challenges in these times,” says Gazitua. “But by building better relationships, planning logistics well ahead, and putting technology at the forefront, we can still help our customers exceed their performance benchmarks.”

Mr. Gazitua is now the third generation of the family to lead the business after becoming President and CEO in 2017, succeeding his father Ralph L. Gazitua in the position. The company prides itself on customer service and providing a safe and healthy working environment for its employees. WTDC specializes in global supply chain management, door to door transportation, and Foreign Trade Zone inventory control for the Duty Free and Travel retail industry and provides logistics for electronics, renewable energy components, and other commodities.

“I am so grateful to our employees and customers who will propel us well past our 45th Anniversary” says Gazitua.

View services at https://wtdc.com

WTDC 45th Anniversary

WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua displays a Proclamation from Miami-Dade County naming Tuesday, March 8, 2022 as “WTDC 45th Anniversary Day.”

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