While being known for beautiful beaches and warm weather, Florida is also known as a gateway to international markets. Florida’s location is not only ideal for trade with South America and the Caribbean but for Asia as well. The Panama Canal is situated at a distance that shortcuts the time that global shipments reach Florida. In 2016 the Neopanamax locks opened, meaning that larger ships and vessels from distant locations like Asia could pass through. China, being the world’s biggest exporting country, has also benefited from Florida’s location. An estimated $55.5 billion in cargo was shipped out of the state in 2021.

The freight forwarding industry in Florida has thrived due to the many conveyance methods available for moving shipments. Florida boasts 19 commercial airports, 21 foreign trade zones, 15 seaports, and various railroads located throughout the state. In 2019, Florida moved 912 million tons of freight valued at over $1.1 trillion in its freight system. The state’s positioning benefits freight forwarders and shippers by allowing solutions to streamline supply chains. Florida’s growing population has increased the volume of cargo moved in and out every year.

The Port of Miami and Miami International Airport

Miami is one of the most significant cities in Florida for shipping freight by air and sea. Two powerhouses contributing to Miami’s freight forwarding success are the Port of Miami and the Miami International Airport. With a TEU capacity of 1,220,000, the Port of Miami is one of the ten largest ports in the U.S. For reference, a TEU (twenty-foot equivalent) is a unit of measurement for the cargo capacity of a twenty-foot container. The Port of Miami is also the only southern-eastern port that allows post-Neopanamax vessels to pass through. The most common types of freight exported include citrus fruit juices, grapefruit, dairy products, and cognac brandy.

Miami moving imports and exports

The Miami International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. in terms of cargo movement. In 2021 the airport moved over 11 billion pounds of cargo. Nearly 70% of all perishable airfreight entering the U.S. comes through the Miami International Airport. This includes over 90% of flower imports. Once passed through the airport, the goods are transported throughout the U.S. Items such as computers, cellphones, and aircraft components are standard exports out of the facility. The high volume of cargo results from the port’s location, making it a perfect gateway to Latin America and the rest of the world.

Shipping internationally can be beneficial for the growth of a business. However, the actual process may be complex, especially for first-time shippers. Each country has its own rules and guidelines; not understanding the regulations can result in the loss of your shipment. It is highly beneficial to contact a freight forwarder to coordinate the movement of your cargo. If you are looking for a Freight Forwarder in Florida, contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at 305-821-8995 or info@a1wwl.com. We also have customs clearance services to clear your goods when they arrive in the U.S.

ASSISTANCE ALSO IN SPANISH!