Cat Financial is dedicated to keeping Florida Marine Transporters’ business on course. Whether the company wants to purchase Cat® engines for its boats or grow its fleet of barges, Cat Financial has been there to offer a wide range of financing options. “Cat Financial has a great relationship with FMT and we have had for about a decade,” said Darren Lifferth, an account manager at Cat Financial. “They’ve been a great customer and very valued customer on the Illinois River space.”
Established in 1993, Florida Marine started from humble beginnings with three boats and four barges. Today, the company, based in New Orleans, is one of the largest inland marine companies with 75 boats and 200 tank barges. “We’ve been on a very aggressive growth track over the years, and through our friends at Cat Financial, we’ve been able to buy new assets with their support,” said Howard Blank, the chief financial officer for Florida Marine. “They’ve been really helpful in getting our fleet to grow to the size it is today.”
That growth has taken place despite the turbulent economy over the past few years because Cat Financial recognizes Florida Marine as an investment worth making. Repower loans were utilized for Florida Marine’s older push boats, and when the company rolled out its new build program, construction and term loans were provided. To pay for parts and service, there was the Cat Financial Commercial Account. “It’s good to know Cat Financial because they’re not short-term players, they’re long-term players and have a long-term interest in seeing your business succeed,” said Blank.
Watch the video to hear how Cat Financial is committed to Florida Marine’s success.
