- Port of Los Angeles, Shafter, and The Wonderful Company Forge Supply Chain Partnership.
- New Trade Agreement to Boost Central Valley Exports Through Port of Los Angeles.
- Wonderful Logistics Center to Anchor New Rail Link in Port Partnership.
The Port of Los Angeles reports that it has teamed up with the City of Shafter, California, and The Wonderful Company by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This collaboration is all about boosting efficient, two-way trade links between California’s Central Valley and global markets via the Port’s terminals.
Central Role of the Wonderful Logistics Center
At the core of this agreement is the Wonderful Logistics Center, a sprawling 3,400-acre industrial development in Shafter, owned by The Wonderful Company. It’s perfectly situated along the BNSF rail mainline and currently supports operations for several Fortune 100 companies, including Ross, Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Thanks to its prime location and robust infrastructure, the Center serves as a key hub for exporting goods from the San Joaquin Valley and nearby areas.
Commitment to Economic Growth and Trade Efficiency
“Both The Wonderful Company and the City of Shafter have a well-planned vision for creating jobs and promoting economic growth in the Central Valley, and the Port of Los Angeles stands ready to help,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This agreement represents our commitment to support faster and more efficient service to and from the Central Valley right to our terminals and to markets across the world.”
Enhancing Supply Chain Velocity and Competitiveness
“Our partnership with the Port of Los Angeles marks a significant evolution in the supply chain, enhancing cargo velocity and enabling California’s farmers to become more competitive and agile in the global marketplace,” said Wonderful’s Vice President of Logistics Sepehr Matinifar.
Agreement Details and Strategic Initiatives
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) lays out a variety of collaborative initiatives, such as:
- Fostering sustainable and efficient trade, both domestically and internationally, between the Wonderful Logistics Center and the Port of Los Angeles.
- Reaching out to agricultural exporters in the Central Valley.
- Looking into mutually beneficial business development opportunities.
- Educating stakeholders in the supply chain about how this partnership can benefit both the state and national economy.
- Sharing best practices related to goods movement, workforce training, and development.
New International Rail Terminal to Open by 2026
As part of its expansion plans, The Wonderful Company is set to build a new international rail terminal at the Logistics Center, with a target completion date in 2026. This terminal will include a dedicated shuttle train that connects the San Pedro Bay port complex to Shafter, which will enhance container movement and lessen the dependence on trucking. This initiative is anticipated to bring about both operational efficiency and environmental advantages.
Moreover, plans for nearby housing, job training programs, and community amenities are underway to support the growth of the Center.
Supporting Exporters and Reducing Empty Containers
This partnership is in line with the Port of Los Angeles’s ongoing mission to make better use of the empty containers currently stored at its terminals. By positioning these containers for agricultural exporters in the Central Valley, the agreement aims to tackle supply chain imbalances while boosting export capabilities.
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Source: The Port of LA
