Norfolk, VA - D.J. Powers Company, Inc. and Fred P. Gaskell Company are pleased to announce their merger, which became effective on November 1, 2016. Fred P. Gaskell Company is one of the original Customs Brokers/Freight Forwarders in the Norfolk area, having been in continuous business for nearly a century.  “Gaskell has built a solid reputation in the maritime industry throughout the many years it has been in operation, and has maintained a strong customer base developed through its reputation for consistent, quality work and high level of customer service.  These are the qualities that we value at D. J. Powers, and our similar philosophy of quality service, high level of integrity in our operations, and strong customer service made this merger work so well” said Rhett Willis, President of D. J. Powers Company.  “We are also very focused on the future, and this merger allows D. J. Powers to provide enhanced support with industry leading IT, industry expertise and compliance services to complement Gaskell’s experienced personnel and loyal customer base.” “We are pleased to continue the values of our port forefathers who helped to solidify the Ports of Virginia nationally for importers and exporters” said Stuart Stone Jr., a fourth-generation Norfolk Customs Broker and D. J. Powers Norfolk Branch Manager.  “We value the traditions represented by Gaskell’s nearly century of service in the Port of Norfolk.  Gaskell represented several of the Ports’ premier companies and we are excited to continue these relationships.”