JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - JAXPORT has hired experienced logistics and transportation professional David Kalata as Director, National Container Accounts. Kalata joins JAXPORT’s award-winning Sales and Marketing team and is responsible for developing new and existing container cargo business with accounts throughout the United States.

Kalata comes aboard as the federal project to deepen Jacksonville’s shipping channel to 47 feet is set to begin. JAXPORT continues to record impressive growth in international container volumes while expanding service offerings to and from the Southeastern U.S. to key markets throughout the world.

Kalata most recently served as International Sales Manager for Florida East Coast Railway, directly interacting with many of JAXPORT’s largest customers and tenants. He previously held sales and operational positions with international shippers, third party logistics providers and brokers. Kalata has also served as a strategic advisor to the industry, designing tactical market plans and improving supply chain programs.

“Dave comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in many facets of the intermodal transportation industry,” said Roy Schleicher, JAXPORT’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “His know-how, business savvy and long-time relationships will be great assets during this time of great opportunity for us as we continue to strengthen Jacksonville’s role as the Southeast U.S. hub for the international container trade.”