WTDC celebrates 48 years in business

WTDC Newsletter – February 28, 2025

In this week’s newsletter, please find the following headlines:

President’s Corner: Family Legacy

Next week, WTDC celebrates its 48th Anniversary and it leaves me with much to reflect on. For generations, the Gazitua family has impacted logistics in South Florida. 48 years ago, my grandfather Luis Rafael (LR) Gazitua, uncle John Gazitua, and my father Ralph L. Gazitua, WTDC Chairman, founded WTDC, while also owning and operating Florida International Forwarders (FIF).

Everyday, I am reminded of this family legacy when I step into the office. Just last week, I ran across the Florida Foreign Trade Association (FFTA) video honoring my grandparents as Pioneers of the Miami logistics industry, forever etched into the monument at the entrance of PortMiami and the Kaseya Center.

It is an incredible honor to be a part of this legacy and I look forward to furthering this success for years to come.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

WTDC 48th Anniversary

Founded March 8, 1977, WTDC began as Miami’s first General Order Warehouse. Our founders pioneered services that would shape the industry. WTDC expanded its capabilities to include bonded warehousing, customs brokerage, and worldwide transportation (NVOCC, IAC, IATA licensed). In 2012, WTDC became a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), providing inventory control services, and expanded that FTZ knowledge to grow as an FTZ Consultant.

WTDC celebrates a rich company culture, inspired by the Gazitua family values. The company’s 4 Pillars: God and Family, Health and Education, giving back to the Community, and working at WTDC prioritize employee well-being in and out of the workplace. These principles are integral to our company’s growth and history.

Today, WTDC is a market leader in global logistics for the Duty-Free and Travel Retail industry, with a growing presence in worldwide transportation, FTZ inventory control and shipping of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and heavy machinery.

Our success is driven by our dedicated employees, trusted clients, and strong industry partnerships. As we celebrate 48 years of innovation and excellence, we look forward to continuing our mission of delivering exceptional logistics solutions for decades to come

WTDC – About Us

Biggest Cruise Terminal in the World opens at PortMiami

On February 8th, MSC Cruises opened the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal at PortMiami, the largest cruise terminal in the world. MSC Seascape was the first ship to dock at the state-of-the-art facility.

The terminal can accommodate three ships at once, with up to 36,000 passengers daily. It will serve four MSC ships in 2025, including MSC World America, set to debut in April.

This collaboration between MSC Group, PortMiami, and Miami-Dade County enhances Miami’s status as the Cruise Capital of the World.

Travel Weekly-MSC Cruises opens new terminal in Miami

WTDC Picnic

On February 22nd, we had an amazing time at the WTDC Company Picnic at the beautiful Matheson Hammock Park! Employees, family, and friends came together to celebrate 48 years of business as a family-owned and operated logistics company.

We are incredibly grateful for our amazing team who help make WTDC a success. A huge thank you to WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez, for her exceptional planning and to everyone who joined us for this wonderful event!

         

U.S. introduces new tariffs

Next week on March 4th, 25% duties on products imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico take effect. Energy imports from Canada will be subject to 10% duties and an additional 10% tariff may be imposed on imports from China.

President Trump directed economic officials to explore reciprocal tariffs, matching foreign duties product-by-product. The U.S. has a 2.5% duty on automobiles from the European Union (EU), while the EU has a 10% duty on U.S. made automobiles.

On February 18th, President Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on automobile, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor imports. Auto tariffs are expected to take effect April 2nd, while the timeline for pharmaceuticals and chips are to be determined. Steel and aluminum tariffs have also been announced.

AJOT: Trump vows March 4 tariffs for Mexico, Canada; China faces extra 10%

Reuters: Trump says he will introduce 25% tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals and chips

WTDC Protects Your Shipments with Comprehensive Transportation Cargo Insurance

Ensuring the safety of your shipments is crucial, especially as cargo theft continues to be a growing issue across the U.S. WTDC offers tailored transportation cargo insurance solutions designed to protect businesses from unexpected risks. We provide a range of coverage options to safeguard your cargo, professional liabilities, and trucking operations.

Cargo Marine Insurance

Spot coverage for shipments during transit. Options include Project Insurance for high-value or vulnerable cargo and Transactional Insurance for general cargo up to $200,000. Ideal for freight forwarders, shippers, consignees, and logistics professionals.

Professional Liabilities

Covers legal and financial risks in logistics operations. Includes Errors and Omissions for service mistakes, Warehouse & Cargo Legal Liability for stored and transported goods, and General Liability for injury and property damage claims.

Trucking Insurance

Essential coverage for carriers and fleets, FMCSA compliant. Includes Commercial Auto Liability, Motor Truck Cargo, Physical Damage, Trailer Interchange for asset protection, and General Liability for operational risks.

WTDC takes care of all your Transportation Cargo Insurance needs. With 24/7 online certificate access and expert advisory services, we ensure compliance and risk management for your logistics needs. Get in touch today for customized coverage!