Known for its leadership in the innovation of sustainable biofuels and bioproducts, POET has once again charted new territory, landing among the top 20 container shippers in the United States.
The company has sailed through the ranks of shippers over the past three years as it has grown its international customer base. According to container export data recently published by the Journal of Commerce, POET was the 17th-largest container exporter in the United States in 2023, up from 25th in 2022 and 36th in 2021.
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“We’re incredibly proud of the work our team has done to grow our global customer base,” said Greg Breukelman, President of POET Bioproducts. “This achievement highlights POET's focus on innovation and development as we expand our logistical capabilities to meet the increasing demand for our products.”
POET's reach extends to over 25 countries, and its primary bioproduct exports are animal feed ingredients such as Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and Corn Fermented Protein (CFP).
“In the midst of global supply chain challenges, POET has demonstrated it is one of the most sophisticated operators in the world,” said Luke Lindberg, President & CEO of South Dakota Trade. “South Dakota is directly benefitting from their savvy and growth in international markets — with new high-quality jobs, better prices for our farmers, and an overall boon for our local economy."
The company's shipping capabilities received a significant boost following the 2022 acquisition of POET Terminal – Savannah, strategically located in one of the nation's busiest ports. This rail-to-container transload facility enhances POET's shipping process, enabling efficient and seamless export operations on an international scale.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a robust supply chain, POET has successfully positioned itself as a key player in the container shipping industry, further solidifying its role in driving bioeconomic development and environmental stewardship.
“The acquisition of the Savannah transload facility helped POET to further vertically integrate our supply chain and provide more traceability for our customers,” said Austin Broin, General Manager of POET Terminal – Savannah. “Thanks to a hardworking and dedicated team, in about a year and a half, we were able to nearly double our number of monthly railcars and containers transloaded. Both the acquisition and continued investment at POET Terminal – Savannah have been a key part of POET’s continued growth in the container space.”
Adding context, it's common for goods to arrive in the U.S. via containers from various global origins, with many returning empty. POET seizes the opportunity to fill these otherwise vacant containers, reducing the frequency of "dead-hauls" for ships. This initiative not only enhances vessel efficiency but also aligns with POET's overarching mission of fostering a better world.
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While POET expands its presence in international markets, its dedication to serving its Midwestern roots remains unwavering. This local commitment is evident in its high-quality, American-made bioproducts, with local farmers and livestock producers receiving priority access to POET feed.
"At POET, we prioritize environmental stewardship and community engagement, said Breukelman. “This responsibility is reflected in our close relationships with local farmers and underscores every aspect of our operations, from distilling bioethanol to distributing animal feed and other bioproducts. Whether by truck, rail car, or shipping container, every shipment embodies our commitment to excellence."
This voyage to become a leader in the shipping industry not only highlights POET’s adaptability but also its unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and progress.
