October 15, 2026
NORFOLK, VA – The Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), a global agricultural conglomerate that is a long-time user of The Port of Virginia®, is this year’s recipient of the port’s Shipper of the Year award.
The annual award is presented by the port at the Virginia Maritime Association’s International Trade Symposium, held in Norfolk. It recognizes an exceptional shipper that works collaboratively with the port to increase efficiencies across the supply chain.
The award was presented Wednesday by Thomas D. Capozzi, the port’s chief sales and marketing officer and AJ Kelly, its director of strategic accounts.
This is the second time ADM has received the port’s Shipper of the Year Award. The first came in 2013 following the opening of ADM’s intermodal yard and complex in Decatur, IL. This facility allows the port to direct more inland traffic for third parties in addition to ADM’s volume.
At that award ceremony a company representative said the port’s strategic Mid-Atlantic location, strong rail connections, infrastructure investments and commitment to deepen the port’s channel to 55 feet were key to ADM’s ability to meet its grain export needs.
“We have never had a repeat recipient, but when we considered the candidates’ pool, ADM rose to the top because of its ongoing commitment to improve its transportation infrastructure and reliance on The Port of Virginia to reach world markets,” Capozzi said. “Each year thousands of ADM containers move across Virginia’s marine terminals, generating benefits for the entire global supply chain. We value our relationship with ADM and appreciate the company’s belief in our vision.”
On hand to receive the award was a team of representatives from ADM that included Scott Spaulding, export container trader; Bryan Neibuhr, export container trader; and Drew Garren, director, North American Container Trade.
“ADM is proud of the long and collaborative relationship it has with The Port of Virginia,” Garren said. “We were here more than a dozen years ago and are humbled to be standing here again. Our ongoing partnership with the port is critical to moving goods more efficiently and reliably so we can deliver on our promise to deliver our products on-time across the globe.”
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The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VPA owns and through its private operating subsidiary, Virginia International Terminals, LLC (VIT), operates four general cargo facilities Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port in Warren County. The VPA leases Virginia International Gateway and Richmond Marine Terminal. An economic impact study from The College of William and Mary shows that The Port of Virginia is a driver of more than 565,000 jobs and $63 billion in Virginia gross domestic product on an annual basis.