PortMiami focuses on transshipment business - Form committee
(Miami, Florida – November 19, 2013) PortMiami Director Bill Johnson, in close conjunction with PortMiami Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has established a Transshipment Committee that will promote the return of transshipment to the port. Prior to 9/11, transshipment made up 20% of PortMiami's business, much of which has been lost to nearby foreign ports. During today's inaugural meeting, PortMiami management, CBP, and private sector stakeholders joined the free flow discussion on new initiatives and ideas for best practices.
By working with federal agencies such as CBP and the USDA, and with private partners including shippers, customs brokers, and terminal operators, PortMiami – the Cargo Gateway to the Americas will be able to offer efficient, cost effective transshipment solutions linking the Americas to Europe, Asia and beyond. In addition to the creation of a Customer Service Team, the committee pledged to promote PortMiami as a transshipment hub to the world through an extensive marketing outreach and education campaign.
"Miami is located at the trade nexus for NorthSouth and EastWest trade routes, making it an ideal transfer spot for transshipment," said Johnson. "PortMiami has many transshipment advantages, including frequent sailings to Latin America, Asia and Europe, and intermodal flexibility such as on-dock rail that will give shippers the additional convenience of loading exports in addition to transshipment."
The Transshipment Committee will provide port users and stakeholders an opportunity to develop best practices and keep open the lines of communication between all parties. PortMiami' CBP Customer Service Corps will focus on expediting transshipments and ensuring that containers make their connections, solidifying PortMiami's role as a global transshipment hub.
Providing efficient processing and consistency for shippers and brokers is the motivating factor behind the Transshipment Committee. PortMiami, along with its federal and private partners, offers an ideal location for shippers to reach the world. The Transshipment Committee will meet quarterly and the next meeting is planned for January 2014, prior to Miami's annual State of the Ports briefing.
About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for more than 207,000. For more information please visit www.miamidade.gov/portmiami.