It has been documented that in terms of tonnage and acreage; Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port. Yet in terms of customer service, Port Tampa Bay is more than merely a maritime port that moves cargo. Port Tampa Bay is a customer centric seaport who is focused on helping its partners optimize their global supply chains. In addition, PTB strives to create an environment that incentivizes its partners to establish operations at PTB. As part of this customer centric approach, PTB offers its FTZ operations to its partners.

In 2022, PTB expanded its FTZ operations, which now blankets the entire port complex at Hooker’s Point, Pendola Point, Port Sutton, East Port, Port Redwing, and South Bay. The expanded FTZ capability combined with PTB’s available acreage, innovative approach to infrastructure positioning, cargo handling, and maritime connectivity creates a win-win environment for its partners.

As the global marketplace continues to grow and evolve, while presenting new unforeseen challenges to the international movement of cargo, importers and exporters that have access to an FTZ operation will have an competitive edge. Whether it’s an import-for-export operation, warehouse & distribution operation, or manufacturing operation, PTB’s FTZ grants the importer and exporter more flexibility as they strive to reach their organizational goals.

How FTZ Works is Simple 

A company can store goods in PTB’s FTZ site prior to the goods officially clearing U.S. Custom. While the goods are stored in PTB’s FTZ site, the company can perform a variety to value-ad services to the commodity, ranging from staging for market entry to manufacturing, all while using U.S. based workers and know-how.  Thus, as the company procures essentially needed raw material, intermediate, or even finished goods from abroad, PTB’s FTZ operations provides a platform and incentivizes its clients to retain and grow a segment of the company’s global operations within the Tampa Bay market.

Big Benefits Using PTB’s FTZ Site 

A company leveraging PTB FTZ operation enjoys the flexibility to access both logistical and financial benefits of the FTZ program. 

Logistics Benefits:

• Streamlines international logistical strategy
• Institute effective inventory and quality control protocols
• Considered as one of the best “Trusted trader” U.S. compliance programs Expediate cargo handling opportunities

Revenue Flow Benefits:

• Cash flow = Duty Deferral until cargo clear U.S. Customs
• Duty Obligation elimination = (e.g. Import-for-export operations)
• Decreased Administrative/Processing Fees

Top FTZ Benefits Linked to PTB’s Operations 

PTB Market Connectivity and Re-Exporting: Imported cargo can be collected and consolidated for re-export without a duty obligation.

Warehousing and Deferred Duty Obligation: Imported goods can go directly into an FTZ site for assembling, testing, or being destroyed without an immediate duty obligation.  Duties are only paid when the items are withdrawn from the FTZ to enter U.S. commerce.

Client Services and Cargo Consolidation:  As commodities are staged in PTB warehouses, FTZ shipments can be grouped into consolidated customs entries, reducing merchandise processing fees and paperwork.