Published On:Friday, June 18, 2010

By CHESTER ROBARDS

Business Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

INTERNATIONAL shipping from South Florida ports has seen an 18 per cent increase that could hit record highs this year, according to a recent Miami Herald article, which cites the Bahamas as one of the destinations that could set record trade with Miami as a result.

However, Tropical Shipping told Tribune Business yesterday that it had not seen a significant increase in shipping volumes to the Bahamas.

"We have not seen any noticeable change in the Bahamas' market volumes," said Tropical Shipping spokesperson Mary Udry.

Oralee Deveaux, inside sales coordinator for Seaboard Marine, said that through last year her company had increased its client base despite the recession, and thus enjoyed an increase in shipping volumes.

According to her, Seaboard made a marginal reduction in its rates, attracting competitors' customers, and leaned on its "dedicated" customer service. She said the shipping company has a 24-hour sales centre, something the competition does not.

The Miami Herald article touted Miami's $39.2 billion first quarter results, saying exports increased by more than 14 per cent, while imports increased 26.2 per cent.

According to the article, Miami area ports could set new records in trade this year, due in great part it seems to multi-million dollar shipping increases to Haiti, which was struck by a devastating earthquake in January.

"Countries on track to set new records for total trade with the Miami district this year include the Bahamas, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Mexico and Switzerland," said Ken Roberts, president of WorldCity, a Coral Gables media company that analyses US census numbers to spot local trade trends.

Ms Deveaux said Seaboard also saw strong export numbers last year and in the 2010 first quarter.

"Throughout the recession we have gotten new clients," she said. "We give good customer service and some of our rates might be higher, but some people believe more in good customer service."

In February, Tropical Shipping reported declines of 30 per cent to the Bahamas and wider Caribbean, forcing the closure of the company's port of Palm Beach warehouse.

The closure caused the loss of 35-40 jobs in the US. However, Tropical Shipping reported no significant reductions in staffing.

Ms Deveaux said Seaboard had not made any cuts to staff through in 2009 or in the first half of 2010.