World’s largest container ship – MSC Irina

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WTDC Newsletter – March 15th, 2023

  • President’s Corner
  • Sean Gazitua mentioned in South Florida Business Journal
  • MSC Irina: Largest container ship in the world
  • WTDC’s 46th Anniversary
  • PortMiami 2035 master plan
  • PortMiami welcomes its first LNG cargo vessel
  • Global air passenger industry recovered significantly in 2022

 

President’s Corner

Last week marked WTDC’s 46th business anniversary and today the company also celebrated 6800 days accident-free! From the daily security briefing, to facility and equipment upgrades, to our recent C-TPAT recertification, an emphasis on safety and security is part of WTDC’s company culture.

Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

Sean Gazitua mentioned in South Florida Business Journal

Last week WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua was mentioned in two articles covering his recent appointment to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors: South Florida Business Journal and the Biscayne Bay Tribune.

South Florida Business Journal – People on the Move

Biscayne Bay Tribune – Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Appoints New Board Members

 

MSC Irina: Largest container ship in the world

This week MSC announced the debut of the world’s largest container ship: MSC Irina. With a capacity of 24,346 TEU, MSC Irina is part of MSC’s largest fleet expansion in history which also includes MSC Tessa. MSC took possession of MSC Tessa on the same day as the Irina and the vessel also boasts over 24,000 TEU capacity.

AJOT – MSC vessel “Irina” is the world’s largest container ship

 

WTDC’s 46th Anniversary

On March 8th, WTDC celebrated 46 years in business! Thank you to our customers and dedicated team for continuously elevating the company to new heights.

 

PortMiami 2035 master plan

Last week, Miami-Dade County Commissioners awarded a total of 17.6 million to four contractors for PortMiami’s 2035 master plan – the Seaport’s Capital Improvements Program. The 2035 master plan calls for better efficiency within the current space occupied by the port.

Miami Today – PortMiami builds team for billions in new projects

 

PortMiami welcomes its first LNG cargo vessel

On Sunday, March 12, PortMiami welcomed its first cargo vessel using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. The vessel was the first container ship in the world to be converted from diesel to LNG.

Miami-Dade County – PortMiami bunkers Seaboard Marine’s first LNG cargo vessel

 

Global air passenger industry recovered significantly in 2022

The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) reported a strong recovery in the global air space, as total traffic increased 64.4% compared to 2021. All regions saw growth in air travel as restrictions eased.
WTDC is IATA certified to send air cargo on passenger airplanes and is a licensed Independent Air Carrier (IAC).

Contact WTDC for your next air shipment!

Travel Markets Insider – IATA: 2022 ends on a strong note for the global air passenger industry

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.

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.

Sean Gazitua appointed to Arsht Board

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WTDC Newsletter – December 5, 2022

  • President’s Corner
  • Sean Gazitua appointed to Arsht Center Board of Directors
  • PortMiami Welcomes its Largest Container Ship to Date
  • Royal Caribbean Reaches Biggest Deal Ever with PortMiami
  • Lotus House Food Drive Success
  • Pajama Drive for His House
  • Angel Tree Project
  • WTDC Thanksgiving Potluck
  • LEAF Emmaus Food Drive

President’s Corner

I’m honored to now be appointed to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust (AACT) Board of Directors, recently confirmed by our Miami-Dade County Commissioners and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Community is one of the four pillars of WTDC. With this new platform, I hope to further uplift our local community through the arts. For more information, look to the article below.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

Sean Gazitua appointed to Arsht Center Board of Directors

WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua and 5 other nominees were appointed to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust (AACT) Board of Directors during the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners meeting held November 1st, 2022.

Arsht Center is the preeminent hub for arts in Miami-Dade County, with a mission to engage and connect people from every corner of our community through artistic excellence and inspiring educational experiences. The board supports the Arsht Center through supervision, recruitment, and advocacy.

 

PortMiami Welcomes its Largest Container Ship to Date

On November 17th, the CMA CGM Osiris arrived to PortMiami. It is the largest container ship to dock at PortMiami and has a maximum capacity of 15,536 TEU.

 

Royal Caribbean Reaches Biggest Deal Ever with PortMiami

On November 15th, Royal Caribbean and PortMiami reached an agreement that will generate 2.8 billion dollars for the local economy over 50 year deal. The deal includes construction of a new Terminal G for the exclusive use of Royal Caribbean Group brand, construction of another future shared terminal with MSC, a lease extension to 2017 for Royal Caribbean Group’s headquarters at PortMiami, and approval for renovation of their headquarters. The accord estimates 12,000 new jobs will be created as a result.

 

Lotus House Food Drive Success

WTDC’s 4th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive was a major success! We delivered a trunk full of food for Lotus House Shelter.

Lotus House is a leader in addressing the special needs of homeless women, youth, and children with innovative, holistic, evidence based solutions to break the cycle of childhood abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness.

Thank you to everyone who donated!

 

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.

 

Angel Tree Project

Every Christmas season, WTDC participates in the Angel Tree Project from Prison Fellowship. This year, WTDC sponsored Christmas gifts for 10 children of incarcerated parents. The project aims to strengthen relationships between incarcerated parents and their children.

 

WTDC Thanksgiving Potluck

On November 16th, WTDC held a Thanksgiving potluck for staff after work. Thank you everyone for bringing such amazing dishes!

 

LEAF Emmaus Food Drive

On Thursday, November 17th, WTDC Logistics Manager Ginger Diez and Transportation Manager Castell Chavez joined WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua and Law Enforcement and Firefighters (LEAF) Emmaus members to distribute Thanksgiving meals door to door to needy families in Homestead.

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”.