OHL International builds on long success
PHILADELPHIA — Customs house broker OHL International, a division of OHL, will offer customers new “Ovation” software in the third quarter of 2014, according to Chris Ryan, business development manager, perishables.
“This allows customers more visibility on what is going on with their shipments,” Ryan said. “Information is the biggest thing, and when the product arrives they can ensure it’s as fresh as possible.”
Murphy Marine Services strength comes from diversity
WILMINGTON, DE — For Murphy Marine Services Inc., “This is shaping up to be a decent year,” in the view of John Coulahan, the firm’s president. The stevedoring company is central to “Team Wilmington” and the teamwork involved in the handling of cargo and freight passing through the port of Wilmington, DE. Coulahan noted that for his firm, “We had a fair year in 2013 with cargo volumes holding up. And this should be a decent year — although it could always be better.”
Many positives flourish around the port of Wilmington
WILMINGTON, DE — New and renewed contracts have made an exciting year for the port of Wilmington.
Tom Keefer, deputy executive director of the port, told The Produce News that Dole Fruit Co., based in Westlake Village, CA, in December 2013 renewed its contract to discharge fruit in Wilmington. The renewed contract calls for a 15-year term, but there are options that may keep Dole’s Northeastern operation in Wilmington until 2048.
Palaima continues Chilean trade leadership
PHILADELPHIA — Robert Palaima jokes that he is “president for life” when it comes to the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. Palaima has held the volunteer position since 2008.
“On a personal level, I’m happy to give the reins to someone else if they wanted. But I’m proud to keep the show on the road. We work hard. We take pride in the CACC. It’s the most active of Greater Philadelphia’s international chambers.”
AMC Direct quickly building international trade momentum
GLASSBORO, NJ — AMC Direct, located here, is rapidly growing in the international citrus business and expanding in grapes, with other commodities on the horizon. It is part of the AMC Grupo Alimentación, Fresco y Zumos, S.A. The parent company, which is located in Murcia, Spain, is more commonly known as the AMC Group.
South African citrus at Gloucester Marine Terminal
The Gloucester Marine Terminal will be receiving the bulk of the South African citrus volume again this year, according to Tom Holt III, who handles business development for the family-owned Holt Logistics Corp.
WTA builds Delaware River port trade
PHILADELPHIA — “Our goal is to increase trade between Philadelphia and the world via the port,” Dominic O’Brien said of the World Trade Association of Philadelphia. On Sept. 17 O’Brien’s one-year term as association president will end. Beyond this volunteer duty, O’Brien is the senior marketing representative for the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority.
Clayton Manthorpe, general manager of Folcroft, PA-based CMS Transportation Inc., is the incoming president. He is currently the organization’s first vice president.
Royal Fumigation coordinates with industry on new USDA proposals
NEW CASTLE, DE — Joining the regional port community — and the nation’s fruit importers — with concern about pending U.S. Department of Agriculture procedural changes is Royal Fumigation, based here.
Anne Bookout, Royal’s vice president and general counsel, said the two matters of concern are an increase in USDA inspection overtime fees and a $375 fee for fumigations.
Jazz apple campaign raises funds for diabetes prevention
Through Crunch to Contribute, a social media campaign that offers a $1 donation to the American or Canadian Diabetes Association in exchange for every Jazz apple photo uploaded to www.jazzapple.com/c2c, people everywhere are crunching for a cause.
South African citrus adds color and hope to Nelson Mandela International Day
The South Africa Consulate General in New York and South African summer citrus will celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day Friday, July 18 on what would have been Mandela's 96th birthday.