JAXPORT terminal getting upgrades to help bring in more products like cars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More consumer products could soon be moving through Jacksonville’s port, and even quicker than before.

On Monday morning, JAXPORT announced a deal with Ceres Terminals, a terminal operations company that will help make more use of the 158-acre terminal known as TraPac (or Dames Point Marine Terminal).

“We feel it’s underutilized today,” said Craig Mygatt, CEO of Ceres Terminals.

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But Ceres fully takes over in March, replacing Mitsui O.S.K. Lines as part of a $60 million agreement, there will be some mechanical upgrades.

“There’s a lot of equipment, terminal, container-moving that needs to be re-done,” Mygatt explained.

“What makes terminals efficient is the equipment, being able to handle more boxes and turn times more efficiently,” pointed out JAXPORT CEO Eric Green.

These upgrades will help welcome more commodities through Jacksonville, beyond what was offered before.

Two important products coming through the terminal include furniture made overseas, as well as cars.

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“It’s an alternative site for container lines and for automobile distributors to use a port that has the capability to move product quickly,” Mygatt emphasized.

Ceres operates 20 terminals, but JAXPORT’s TraPac terminal is at the top of the list.

“This would be our biggest asset by size,” Mygatt said.

The more the company takes advantage of this space, the more jobs that local unions believe will follow.

“It’s a ripple effect,” said Daniel Teague, President of Clerks and Checkers Local 1593. “It’s not only jobs for the port workers but it’s jobs for the trucking industry, the warehouse workers.”

It only hinges on one detail. “How many jobs depend on how many ships come,” Teague added. This is why JAXPORT wants to make this much clear: “We’re open for business,” Green said. “That’s the best way I can say it.”

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