WWL VEHICLE SERVICES AMERICAS RENEWS LONG-TERM LEASE AT PORT OF LOS ANGELES

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — December 9, 2013 — The Port of Los Angeles has renewed its long-term lease with WWL Vehicle Services Americas, Inc. WWL VSA, a subsidiary of global shipping and logistics company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), operates a 91-acre automotive processing terminal.

The 10-year agreement provides for a five-year extension, an option that would allow WWL Vehicle Services Americas to operate the auto terminal through Jan. 1, 2027. The facility processes approximately 200,000 vehicles annually.

The agreement also reflects the Port’s larger commitment to maintain a diversified cargo portfolio that makes the best use of land and water resources and promotes economic growth. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the new lease in November. 

“WWL has been an important source of jobs and revenue at the Port for years,’’ said Port Interim Executive Director Gary Lee Moore. “WWL is a unique facility at the Port and we’re extremely pleased to extend our relationship.”

“WWL Vehicle Services Americas is pleased to extend its presence at the Port of Los Angeles,” said John Felitto, President and CEO of WWL Vehicle Services Americas. “The vehicle processing facility we’ve developed at the port plays an important role in WWL’s network, and is a key location and processing center for auto manufacturers serving the western United States.”
 
The WWL terminal specializes in receiving new cars shipped from overseas and preparing them for distribution and sale throughout the United States. Located at Berths 195-200A, the terminal also exports restored and vintage cars.

Auto terminals are labor-intensive operations that require a sizeable workforce to drive wheeled cargo on and off ships known as “RoRo” or roll-on/roll-off vessels. At the WWL terminal, International Longshore and Warehouse Union workers drive all vehicles on and off the ships.

During peak operations, the terminal employs 250 union workers over three shifts. Nearly 60 percent of workers are local residents of San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson or Long Beach.

The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port.  A brighter future.