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JAS Leverages Strategic Location in Panama

Colón is second largest free zone in the world

By
Angelo Simpson
August 4, 2021
Cargo moving through Panama Canal
Cargo moving through Panama Canal

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.

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Join us for LogiPharma 2024 in Lyon, France.

JAS Worldwide, a global leader in freight forwarding and logistics, is thrilled to announce its participation in LogiPharma 2024, the premier supply chain event for the life sciences industry, in Lyon, France, from April 16th to 18th, 2024.

As a key player in the logistics ecosystem, the JAS team is excited to engage with industry leaders, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities to help drive the future of pharma & healthcare supply chain management. Attendees are invited to visit booth #53 to connect with JAS representatives and discover how its innovative solutions can optimize their supply chains and drive efficiency.

 JAS Worldwide is also delighted to host a special event that embodies its commitment to community and wellness. On April 17th, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:00, JAS will host a 5K run through the beautiful city of Lyon, JAS will host a 5K run through the beautiful city of Lyon– giving participants the opportunity to experience the city's charm while networking with industry professionals.

 In a second initiative to give back to the community, JAS Worldwide and the Bruni Foundation are partnering with Hoops Relief, a charitable organization “dedicated to improving the lives of young people in Haiti and Senegal” through the power of sports. JAS encourages attendees to bring basketball shoes to its collection box at the start and finish of the 5K run that will be donated to Hoops Relief. JAS will handle the collection, labeling, and shipping of the donated shoes, contributing to the mission of Hoops Relief and making a meaningful impact in communities in need.

"We are excited to be sponsoring and attending LogiPharma 2024 and the opportunity to share more about JAS SmartHub. For the first time this year, we are also doing virtual reality experiences of our Pharma & Healthcare warehouses around the world," said Laetitia Chery, Vice President of Pharma & Healthcare Sales EMEA . "We’re just as excited for our 5K and partnership with Hoops Relief. LogiPharma brings brilliant mind and ideas together, making it an ideal place to make a positive impact even beyond life sciences and logistics.”

Don't miss the opportunity to engage with JAS Worldwide at LogiPharma 2024 and join the 5K run for a memorable experience combining networking, wellness, and philanthropy.

JAS welcomes Christian Heinze as Global Head of the Technology Vertical.

JAS Worldwide is excited to welcome Christian Heinze as Global Head of the Technology Vertical, effective April 2, 2024. With this strategic addition to the leadership team, JAS reaffirms its push to expand its presence and expertise in the Technology and Semiconductor sector.  

Christian brings over two decades of success serving in senior operational and commercial roles within the global logistics industry. His deep knowledge of the semiconductor and solar industries has shaped critical supply chain transformations for clients across all modes of global transportation.  

Throughout his career, Christian has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative commercial strategies that have contributed to significant business growth and fostered customer collaboration. His innate understanding of the industry landscape and proven track record of driving operational excellence make him a valuable asset to JAS’s growing technology vertical.

"Christian’s wealth of experience and passion for innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional services to our Technology clients. His leadership will play a crucial role in expanding our service portfolio and solidifying JAS's position as a key player in the dynamic and fast-evolving semiconductor industry," Manuele Mazzacurati, EVP, Sales & Marketing, JAS Worldwide, expresses with enthusiasm.  

Christian Heinze's appointment comes at a key time as JAS continues its focus on operational excellence, offering innovative solutions, and adopting a sustainable approach to drive growth and create value for its customers globally.

Blue World Line

Dear Valued Customer, 

Due to the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, we are raising awareness that our services and contracts are affected by this situation.  

Therefore, in conjunction with similar actions taken by ocean carriers, Blue World Line hereby provides this notice, in accordance with the clauses 11 and 12 of its bill of lading, of the necessary re-routing of some vessels currently sailing to and from the Port of Baltimore. 

Cargo currently at the terminals in Baltimore will remain at the port until further notice and imports originally set to call the port of Baltimore have been rerouted to other US East Coast ports.  

JAS Worldwide, as agent for Blue World Line, is taking all necessary steps to preserve its transportation services for our customers and to mitigate the impact of this situation on your shipments. 

Lastly, this disruption will continue to impact our services along the east coast of the United States and drive booking and routing changes on both imports and exports calling the port of Baltimore.  We will continue our best efforts to keep you updated on the status of your shipments and any developments as they happen.  

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this difficult situation, and we will keep you updated on any additional developments. Please check back often at www.jas.com for the latest news. 

For any questions and concerns, please contact your local JAS office.  

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