The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) is pleased to announce that experienced foreign trade zone expert Deborah Lofberg has joined the Commercial team as Manager of Foreign Trade Zone.

In this position, Lofberg is responsible for managing JAXPORT’s Foreign Trade Zone No. 64, serving existing customers and attracting new businesses looking to take advantage of the cost savings and other efficiencies the FTZ offers. She also tracks trends and issues related to maximizing the port’s business potential.

Lofberg has more than four decades of experience working in senior level corporate positions, including more than 30 years in the transportation and logistics industry. Most recently, she served as Executive Administrator for Monroe County (Fla.) Fire Rescue, overseeing the administration of a $30 million operating budget. Prior to that, Lofberg served in business development roles of increasing responsibility at JAXPORT, where she served as the Zone Administrator for FTZ No. 64, assisting customers with all aspects of international trade policies and regulations. She has also served in business development roles at port partners Crowley Maritime Corporation and Trailer Bridge.

An FTZ is a secured site within the United States, but technically considered outside of U.S. Customs’ jurisdiction, that allows shippers to clear cargo as it leaves the FTZ while saving on import clearance costs.

FTZ No. 64 encompasses nine counties in Northeast Florida: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Flagler, Bradford and Columbia counties. The FTZ’s Alternative Site Framework allows companies in these counties to benefit from FTZ savings while operating within their existing space.