FECR adds next-day service to Fort Pierce, meets with Panama Canal officials

Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) has expanded intermodal service into central Florida to include next-day service to Fort Pierce on weekends, the company announced yesterday.

Previously, FECR provided next-day service to Fort Pierce six days a week. The additional day of service will enable retail customers to begin replenishing store locations before Mondays, FECR officials said in a press release.

"FECR recognizes the time sensitivity of many of our shipments, and we are committed to providing the reliability, flexibility and connectivity that companies need to manage their supply chains," said Will Costantini, FECR's vice president and chief transportation officer.

Meanwhile, FECR President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Hertwig and PortMiami Director and CEO Juan Kuryla recently met with Panama Canal officials to tour the construction site in preparation for the canal's completed expansion, which is slated for April 2016.

Also attending the meeting in late May were Phil Noury, FECR’s VP of international sales, and Eric Olafson, manager of intergovernmental affairs and cargo development for PortMiami.

PortMiami has resumed on-dock rail service and added super post-Panamax cranes to prep for the canal expansion. The port also expects to complete its 50- to 52-foot dredge in 2015.

"FECR and PortMiami have made infrastructure improvements and are well positioned to serve customers once the expansion is complete," Hertwig said in a prepared statement.