IntrAmericas LLC

[OUman]

Don't know if you saw this in The Oklahoman in this Thursday's business section, but IntrAmericas LLC, a company that transports goods and other heavy cargo will be starting flights between South America (most likely La Paz, Bolivia) and Oklahoma City. The company will use UPS 757-200's, which already operate between Miami and La Paz. Here's the article from the Oklahoman:

Cargo company plans shipments from Will Rogers to South America

By Ja’Rena Lunsford
Business Writer

An Oklahoma City company will expand cargo operations at Will Rogers World Airport by transporting merchandise from Oklahoma City to South America — and eventually all over the world.

Rafael Elias founded IntrAmericas LLC in 2002, in hopes of decreasing the time it takes to transport merchandise to South America. After five years, IntrAmericas will occupy its offices at Will Rogers World Airport late this month.

"We expect to put Oklahoma City on the map as a point of entry,” Elias said.


Elias said the company will not immediately begin transporting from Oklahoma City until it's satisfied with its routes from Miami, Fla. — where most of the cargo IntrAmericas transports is located — to South America. IntrAmericas transported its first cargo load from Miami to La Paz, Bolivia, in February. Its third flight is scheduled for this weekend.

Next: Oklahoma City

Elias said the second phase will be transporting cargo from Oklahoma City. Although he didn't have an exact time frame for the implementation of phase II, Elias said the success of the first two flights makes him confident Oklahoma City will not be too far behind.

"Oklahoma is poised for this distribution,” Elias said. "We're going to move as soon as possible to Oklahoma City.”

Elias said what makes Oklahoma City perfect for a distribution center is the convergence of three major interstates — Interstate 35, I-44 and I-40 — making it easier for cargo to get into Oklahoma City.
"That means the transportation in Oklahoma City is unbeatable,” Elias said.
So how will the cargo get out of the metro area?
An alliance with UPS permits IntrAmericas to use the parcel company's fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The planes carry 70,000 pounds and allow IntrAmericas to provide same-day delivery.
The cargo is mostly apparel with some jewelry. They also are transporting bullet resistant vests.

Have freight, will travel

Elias said people always ask how he got an alliance with UPS. He said the answer is simple.

"I have the freight; they need the freight,” he said.
IntrAmericas has completed two full flights, with 70,000 pounds of cargo each way. The company will do one flight a week, Elias said.
Dale DePue, the company's chief executive officer, said as the company grows, the type of cargo will also. "It could be anything,” he said.
IntrAmericas has leased 2,000 square feet of office space and 5,000 square feet of warehouse space, located conveniently next to UPS at Will Rogers.
"The airport has gone out of its way to accommodate us,” DePue said.
Airport director Mark Kranenburg said he was glad to see IntrAmericas taking flight after five years of preparation.
"We're hopeful that it all works out,” Kranenburg said. He said IntrAmericas' success is Will Rogers' success.
DePue said the company will start with four employees here and later will add employees who are bilingual. IntrAmericas currently has 14 employees at offices in La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and Miami.
Jacqueline Agramont, who works at the La Paz office, said IntrAmericas' cargo operations will not only bring jobs and an economic impact to Oklahoma City, but also to her country.
"It's going to help all of Bolivia,” she said. Agramont said Bolivian small-business owners who do not have access to distributors now will be able to get their merchandise to more consumers. "This is a void we are filling,” Elias said.

[metro]

Cool. No reason we can't take off as a central transporation hub.

[jbrown84]

Good to see someone recognizing our potential over Texas cities...