Here’s your chance to learn more about Maine Port Authority’s ‘First Pallet Free’ program

Courtesy / Maine Port Authority Jon Nass, CEO of the Maine Port Authority

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By Staff

A working group of Maine’s marine-based economic development groups is hosting an event today at Maine Craft Distilling in Portland to highlight Maine Port Authority’s “First Pallet Free” program, which covers up to $800 in first-time freight costs for Maine businesses exporting their products overseas.

The event will be held at the distillery, 123 Washington Ave. in Portland, from 5:30-8 p.m.

The Maine North Atlantic Institute at USM established the working group to broaden the business community’s understanding of market opportunities and available trade resources. The group includes the New England Ocean Cluster, the Maine Port Authority and faculty members of the university. In addition to explaining how the “First Pallet Free” program works, today’s event will showcase how USM supports businesses looking to grow their overseas markets.

“Our goal is to eliminate as many hurdles as possible,” says Patrick Arnold, founder of New England Ocean Cluster and president of Soli DG, the company managing the International Marine Terminal. Arnold said the “First Pallet Free” Program, announced in April, received a burst of interest and new trade relationships have already developed as a result.

“For many small businesses, the cost to ship kills the initial spark,” said Jon Nass, CEO of the Maine Port Authority. “Our goal is to remove that barrier and empower businesses to see what they are capable of.”

The free-shipping offer is good for Maine businesses that have not exported before, and for those who have a new product to test overseas. Businesses can move product anywhere within the Eimskip network, which makes weekly trips to Canada and seven European countries. Qualifying businesses will have up to $800 in freight costs covered for a 4-foot-by-4-foot pallet, roughly two thousand pounds of goods.

Developed by USM, Maine North Atlantic Institute is an academic platform offering workforce development and educational programs designed to create globally competitive students trained to enter and support emerging industries in Maine.

“This initiative will strengthen Maine businesses’ ability to grow overseas, and at the same time, offer USM students a first-hand look at what it will take to compete in a global economy,” said USM President Glenn Cummings.

Today’s kickoff event is expected to draw over 100 business leaders and is nearly sold out.

In addition to Arnold, Nass and Cummings, the event will feature presentations by Billie Cary, trade information specialist for the Maine International Trade Center; Terry Shehata, coordinator of the Maine Economic Improvement Fund; and Robert Heiser of the University of Southern Maine.

To attend this event contact Chris Cary at 207-807-5346 or by email here. To find out more about the “First Pallet Free” program, contact Maine Port Authority online here.