September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

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WTDC Newsletter – September 11, 2023

 

President’s Corner

September traditionally marks the beginning of a busy season for our duty free and travel retail clients. WTDC is working with local partners to accommodate large overflow inventory projects as we continue to grow new services such as our global door to door transportation for pharmaceuticals.
Looking for warehousing space in South Florida? Contact WTDC – a one-stop-shop solution for shipping, warehousing, and Customs documentation.

Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
Send a message to WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua

Sean Gazitua FIU IBHS 2023

Sean Gazitua to speak at FIU’s IBHS meeting

On Monday, September 11th, WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua will be the guest speaker at FIU’s International Business Honor Society (IBHS). IBHS is a student-managed organization that provides opportunities and events for students to develop business skills.

IBHS also owns the only student led business in FIU: the Bandhwari Women’s Project. Each year, WTDC sponsors travel to India for a student who demonstrates exceptional professionalism in an essay format responding to Mr. Gazitua’s presentation.

FIU was announced this week as the no. 4 best public university in the country by Wall Street Journal!
IBHS FIU

FIU No. 4 best public university, according to Wall Street Journal

 

September: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise funds for families impacted, as well as honor the children with cancer.
Please consider supporting childhood cancer foundations such as LiveLikeBella through donations, fundraisers, volunteering, and more.
Major League Soccer is supporting childhood cancer causes through their campaign, Kick Childhood Cancer.
On September 29th, FIU Men’s Soccer has a game against USF in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.

Live Like Bella – Ways to Give

MLS – Kick Childhood Cancer

PortMiami to complete largest Cruise Terminal in North America

MSC Cruise terminal at PortMiami is building the largest terminal in North America. The terminal will accommodate 36,000 passengers daily.
Along with the terminal, the largest MSC ship based in North America, MSC World America, will debut from the terminal in 2025.

Cruise Fever – Largest Cruise Ship Terminal in North America Moves Closer to Completion

 

Florida ports reopen as Hurricane Idalia passes through

Florida ports reopened following the passing Hurricane Idalia. The category 3 hurricane made landfall in Florida’s big bend region, forcing ports and airports alike to halt activities.
Southeast US ports reopen after Hurricane Idalia blows through region

Southeast US ports reopen after Hurricane Idalia blows through region | Journal of Commerce (joc.com)

 

 

Water Donation for His House Children’s Home

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WTDC Newsletter

 

August 28, 2023

President’s Corner

The Florida Gulf Coast is preparing for Tropical Storm Idalia that may become a Hurricane when it makes landfall. Please be advised that even though this storm may affect Florida, WTDC is far from the projected impact. Like every hurricane season, we will prepare and keep an eye on the tropics. Hoping our friends on the West Coast of Florida are not greatly impacted.
Best Regards,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
Send a message to WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua

Water Donation for His House

His House Children’s Home is fully stocked with water in preparation for hurricane season! WTDC donated over 2600 gallons of bottled water and a water filtration system. Thank you to our employees, families, customers, and vendors for truly making an impact with your donations. Way to go Ginger Diez, WTDC Logistics Manager, on organizing this water drive!
Adrienne Cerra Simeon, His House Children’s Home Development and Marketing Manager, pictured below with Sean Gazitua, WTDC President and CEO, and Ginger Diez, WTDC Logistics Manager. Contact Adrienne for more ways to support His House, such as their Imagine Gala on October 7th at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.

South Florida Cruise Industry on the rise

The Cruise industry is back and better than ever as passenger demand is higher than it was prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reported record revenues of 2.2 billion in the second quarter, up 33% over the same period in 2019.
South Florida ports have felt the resurgence as Port Everglades’ number of passengers has increased 77% since 2022. PortMiami has already reached $100 million in cruise passenger revenue for the year.
Due to the high demand, Port Everglades is in the process of renovating a dedicated Disney Cruise terminal set to finish before the Winter Cruise season.

MIA on pace for record passengers in 2023

26.2 million passengers passed through Miami International Airport in the first 6 months of 2023, a 2.6% increase from the same period in 2022.
“On the heels of last year’s full recovery from the pandemic downturn,” Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava observed, “MIA continues to lead the way for our local tourism industry and the nation in terms of passenger growth and economic impact.”

 

 

Miami-Dade County to invest millions into PortMiami

Miami-Dade County is selling $499.2 million worth of bonds to support new projects and infrastructure changes at PortMiami. An expansion for Royal Caribbean will be funded by the County, which will include redeveloping cruise terminal G for parking improvements and a new building.

 

 

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.