TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS INTERVIEW
Winning formula Port Tampa Bay is eyeing a broader cargo mix, container terminal expansion as part of its diversification efforts
Paul Anderson President & CEO – Port Tampa Bay How has 2020 altered the trajectory of the port’s master plan Vision 2030? We continue to focus on diversification of our cargo mix. We’re one of the most diverse ports in the United States, certainly the most diverse in the state of Florida. During the black swan event that is COVID-19, that diversification has proven to be a true winning formula. Construction projects by departments of transportation were accelerated because of the virtually nonexistent traffic. We saw steel, cement and lumber pouring in. We launched a new lumber service during the pandemic that we had been working on for several years. The same can be said for aggregate and cement. Our business plan always considered expanding our container terminals, which is what we’re doing. We’re focused on Latin American trade, which explains our fresh Mexican service. Mexico is already the secondlargest trading partner for the United States and with twoway trade in goods totaling over $665 billion annually, we think that’s going to grow significantly. Traditionally, the only option for Florida has been to get goods by rail and then by truck. So, we’re now a new option. With the new USMCA trade agreement, the United States is in a better position with its trading partners, which is bolstered by global sourcing strategies resulting in nearshoring manufacturing and distribution points for e-commerce and continued growth and expanded trade with Mexico.
on both sides of the aisle can agree. If you improve our roads, bridges, highways and mass transportation, the end result is more efficient connectivity. We’re optimistic that the Biden administration will focus on some of these areas. While we have yet to see a formal infrastructure budget, the messaging that we’re getting is positive.
How do you expect the Biden administration to impact your business? Our presence on a couple of national boards relating to freight mobility and expansion of freight infrastructure, as well as in the American Association of Port Authorities and the big freight coalition, the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, has sparked several discussions on the matter. There is opportunity for the infrastructure to grow. That’s one area where people
What is your overall outlook for Port Tampa Bay? We are highly bullish on the future of Port Tampa Bay as a regional and statewide commerce and transportation facilitator. We’re an economic development engine for our entire state. With the growth of the container business, all the commodities, the construction materials that we handle, our future is bright. Adding cruise into the mix, we’re going to see our eighth record level of revenue in the nine years that I’ve been here. www.capitalanalyticsassociates.com
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