6195 Barfield Road
Atlanta GA, 30328
United States
The Panama Canal revolutionized shipping and world commerce over a 100 years ago. But in 2021, the bicoastal country of Panama is expanding its strategic location by becoming a regional logistics hub. Because it has plenty of competitive advantages for international corporations, it stands apart from other ports in Latin America.
Today, the goals for JAS Panama are clear: to develop its hub-related services in the Central, South American, and Caribbean regions as well as to exponentially grow operations by 2024. This will lead the way to increase the JAS presence in the near future.
The actions JAS Panama has taken over the last six years have been key in getting operations on the right path. JAS Panama has located a better and bigger warehouse at the Colón Free Zone on the Atlantic coast, attracting global accounts to set up their regional distribution hub. This is the case with companies like Ricoh, one of JAS Panama's top local clients. JAS is expanding its Panama cargo consolidation services as well, broadening the reach within the area, taking advantage of the reduced transit times for regional distribution, either from Europe or Asia.
Over 80 major shipping lines connect Panama with all regional ports. The ports of Atlantic (4,454,902 TEU), and the Pacific (3,161,657 TEU), just an hour apart by land, are the top 2 most active port clusters in LATAM. Using Colón as the JAS Panama hub, the average transit times for inbound and outbound ocean freight cargo improve considerably which allows companies to experience a faster time to market. Panama City’s Tocumen Airport is also the best connected in the region, covering over 100 destinations and 132,000 annual flights.
Moving cargo through Panama’s Free Zone is duty-free for all imports and exports, with the added advantage that income tax is greatly reduced via government incentives. This has led many multinational companies to establish their regional headquarters in Panama, which in turn has created a positive impact for local shipping and logistics industries.
Colón is the second biggest free zone in the world after Hong Kong and its market share continues to grow at a steady pace. A few years ago, the Panama Canal expansion widened its route to accommodate post Panamax vessels. This has provided new avenues for global commerce.
Following the JAS industry support philosophy, regional clients include companies from varied industries such as telecommunications, computer technology, business solutions, manufacturing, and food & beverage. JAS has also been able to grow within the e-commerce market, putting the company on the map and providing experience that will surely benefit JAS' global operations.
There is a great deal to say about Panama, a “hub of hubs”, as some experts call it, and all its benefits for JAS Worldwide and our ever-growing family of clients.
Atlanta, Georgia – December 23, 2024 – JAS Worldwide, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, and International Airfreight Associates (IAA) B.V., a prominent provider of comprehensive Air and Ocean freight services headquartered in the Netherlands, are proud to announce the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). This agreement marks an important step toward JAS Worldwide’s acquisition of IAA which, pending regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
“This acquisition aligns with our strategic goals and enhances our ability to provide comprehensive logistics solutions to our clients. We eagerly await the finalization of this deal and look forward to welcoming IAA’s talented air and ocean team into the JAS family,” said Marco Rebuffi, CEO of JAS Worldwide.
“In JAS Worldwide we have found the right party to realize our growth ambitions and guarantee a pleasant working environment for our employees. By joining forces, we can also offer an even broader service to our current customers. We therefore look to the future with confidence” said Jur de Graaf, Managing Director of International Airfreight Associates.
IAA handles multi-modal general cargo and specializes in the transportation of perishable goods, with headquarters in The Netherlands and an operation in Germany. This acquisition will strengthen JAS’s presence in key markets and increase its expertise in managing time-sensitive perishable shipments.
The combined strengths of JAS Worldwide and IAA will drive value for customers through enhanced service offerings and a broader global network.
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About JAS Worldwide
JAS Worldwide, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it focuses on creating solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and unique to each customer's needs. At the heart of its success is its people, who are committed to delivering customer value. As a privately owned company, JAS maintains a steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.
About International Airfreight Associates B.V.
International Airfreight Associates B.V. is a trusted provider of airfreight logistics services with headquarters in the Netherlands and additional operations in Germany. With nearly 100 employees across four locations, including Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Rotterdam, and Frankfurt, the company specializes in moving perishable goods and delivering tailored logistics solutions for a diverse range of clients.
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Potential for Renewed ILA Strike Over Automation Disputes
Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a critical impasse, primarily due to disagreements over port automation. After walking away from talks in November 2024, the ILA has signaled the possibility of a renewed strike if their demands are not addressed before the January 15, 2025, deadline.
This situation follows a previous three-day strike in early October 2024, which temporarily halted operations at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. While those ports have since resumed operations, the disruption caused widespread delays and financial strain on the U.S. economy. The recent suspension of strike action was agreed upon for 90 days, ending January 15, 2025, but with negotiations stalled, the risk of further disruption looms large.
Impact of Previous Strike Action
The October strike caused significant delays, cost overruns, and operational disruptions, including:
Mitigating Future Disruptions
To minimize risks, businesses should consider these strategies:
Guidance from JAS
JAS remains committed to supporting clients during these uncertain times. If your operations are at risk of being impacted, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your JAS representative. Our team can provide tailored solutions to mitigate disruptions, streamline supply chains, and optimize freight options. Whether through alternative routing, expedited services, or strategic planning, JAS is here to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
JAS Projects recently completed a comprehensive logistics solution for Gpi Tanks XL, a company specialized in stainless steel tank construction, either on-site or at one of their flexible construction locations near a waterway, as was the case with this project. This project involved transporting large industrial tanks from Zwijndrecht, Netherlands, to Uddevalla, Sweden, where they will be used to recycle de-icing liquid for major Scandinavian airports.
The operation in Zwijndrecht required careful coordination due to tidal constraints and limited water depth. With a maximum draft of 3.5 meters at the loading berth, and the vessel entering with a 3.2-meter draft, precise planning was critical. Using an overhead crane, the tanks were loaded onto trailers before being transferred to the vessel by a mobile crane. Despite facing high winds and a two-day delay due to storms, the entire loading process was completed in just six hours.
A 700-ton mobile crane was utilized during loading to maintain a safe 33-meter radius, ensuring no pressure was placed on the jetty. The vessel, sailing with open hatch covers to accommodate the tank height, ensured smooth and secure transport to Sweden.
Upon arrival at the client’s site in Uddevalla, discharge operations were executed efficiently. The tanks were unloaded and installed onto their foundations within ten hours. JAS Projects coordinated the movement of the first tank directly to its foundation, while the second was temporarily stored on steel stools. The team also managed a last-minute client request to arrange the installation of a walkway and spiral stairs.
This project exemplifies the JAS Projects’ team ability to overcome logistical challenges and deliver customized solutions with precision. From factory to foundation, JAS provides end-to-end logistics expertise, ensuring that every project is completed on time, safely, and with the highest level of care.
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