WTDC is monitoring Tropical Storm Isaias. Please refer to our Hurricane Preparedness Guide for key personnel and protocol. Updates to hours of operation will be posted to our Twitter

WTDC

Foreign Trade zone 281

logistics internship

More cargo records set at PortMiami, Carnival breaks ground on new terminal

by

WTDC Newsletter – February 2, 2021

  • President’s Corner – 7 Interns from 6 countries
  • PortMiami reports record cargo movement in November 2020
  • Carnival breaks ground on new PortMiami terminal
  • Solar industry responds to Biden environmental initiatives

President’s Corner  
What do FIU students from Bangladesh, Brazil, Honduras, India, Russia and the United States have in common? Besides their participation in FIU’s International Business Honors Society (IBHS) they now have Spring internships at WTDC.
Like many students in these unusual times, the majority of their classes are now online. We held interviews last fall via Zoom when their classes were fully remote and some students had moved back to their home countries. We didn’t foresee seven Interns working at WTDC this semester but we were so impressed during the interviews that we found projects for each of their talents.
As an FIU Alumni Association Board of Director member it’s inspiring to see the next generation of students overcome the unique obstacles posed by COVID-19. I couldn’t be more impressed with these student Interns and I look forward to sharing their projects with you! Wishing you continued health,
-Sean Gazitua, President & CEO  
Send an email to WTDC President & CEO Sean Gazitua  

PortMiami reports record cargo movement in November  
On January 26, PortMiami reported via Twitter that November 2020 was the busiest in the Port’s history with more than 100,000 container moves.   PortMiami Twitter  
Carnival breaks ground on new PortMiami terminal
On January 29, Carnival Cruise Line and PortMiami held a ground breaking for the expansion of Terminal F, the 417,000 square foot future home of the Carnival Celebration. Construction recently began on the Celebration which will be the largest cruise ship in Carnival’s fleet when it launches in 2022. “I’m grateful to Carnival Cruise Line and Lemartec for their partnership with Miami-Dade County,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Despite the global pandemic, today’s groundbreaking is another example of the growth happening at PortMiami – the cruise capital of the world – and how together, we can and we will continue to thrive.”

Cruise and Ferry: PortMiami and Carnival Cruise Line break ground on terminal

WTDC provides warehousing and transportation in Miami, Florida, for the cruise ship industry. Read more here

Solar industry responds to Biden environmental initiatives
 
On January 27, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released an article responding to President Biden’s busy first week in office where he addressed a number of environmental issues.
“The president has outlined a clear and carefully thought-out vision for addressing the range of climate challenges we face, and I commend and thank him for taking swift action on many of those challenges during the first week of this administration,” said Abigail Ross Harper, President and CEO of SEIA.
“President Biden’s order addresses several solar industry priorities, including a boost to federal procurement of clean energy, and investments in manufacturing, transmission, and siting and permitting.
 
SEIA: Solar Industry Commends Biden’s Climate Executive Actions

WTDC is a logistics provider for the Renewable Energy and solar energy industries. Our dedicated staff can assist with international transportation, domestic transportation, transloads, and prepositioning inventory warehousing for just-in-time renewable energy project management. Read more here

WTDC News – July 2, 2020: USMCA, Caribbean reopens

by




New WTDC website launch  
This week WTDC relaunched our website wtdc.com. We welcome you to visit! This faster platform will allow WTDC to publish informative content for new and future customers.   Visit the new WTDC.com  

  President Trump, Canadian President Trudeau, and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto sign the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement during a ceremony in Buenos Aires, on the margins of the G-20 Leaders' Summit on November 30, 2018. [State Department photo by Ron Przysucha / Public Domain]

USMCA trade deal now in effect  
On July 1, 2020, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect. The deal was signed during the G-20 Leaders Summit in 2018 and replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement established in 1994. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, “The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will support mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America.” Key elements include: Intellectual Property Digital Trade De minimis Financial Services Environment Click the stories below for additional information.
USTR: USMCA Fact Sheet    

WTDC Internship Program  
Last week Andre Malha, a student at Palmer Trinity School, completed his summer internship at WTDC. The majority of Mr. Malha’s internship was completed remotely to comply with social distancing guidelines. We wish Mr. Malha continued success in his studies and on the soccer pitch!  
WTDC Internship Program  

 


Combating COVID-19  
Stay tuned to our social media next week as Sergio’s Restaurants announces their private-public partnership to distribute masks for Miami-Dade County hotels and restaurants. WTDC is donating warehousing and fulfillment services at no-cost for this initiative. Pictured above: Carlos Gazitua, CEO of Sergio’s Restaurants, and Sean P. Gazitua, President & CEO of WTDC.  
WTDC – Logistics for Medical Equipment & Supplies
Sergio’s Restaurants – Now delivering Cuban food nationwide      



Caribbean reopens for tourist travel – with restrictions  
Economies in the Caribbean are opening to tourist travel again and many destinations require COVID-19 testing prior to entry. Increased travel to the Caribbean will bring more passengers through South Florida airports leading to more traffic in the duty free stores, welcomed traffic for many of WTDC’s customers. As South Florida is a major hub for cargo and supplies to the Caribbean, more travelers should also have a positive impact on the cargo levels at South Florida ports. In the Bahamas, a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days of entry is required of all tourists or they can take one upon arrival. Aruba also requires testing and opened to Canadian, European, and Caribbean tourists on July 1 – but Americans will have to wait until July 10.
Below is a look at some of some of the tourism reopening dates:
o   USVI June 1
o   Antigua June 1
o   St. Lucia June 1
o   Jamaica June 15
o   Mexico Cancun area on June 15 o   Bahamas July 1
o   Aruba July 1
o   Dominican Republic July 1
o   Puerto Rico July 15    
NYT: 5 Caribbean Vacation Destinations Reopening this Summer