South Florida's Matrix of Logistics
PORT EVERGLADES IS A LEADING SEAPORT FOR CONTAINERIZED CARGO, HANDLING OVER ONE MILLION (TEU) CONTAINERS IN 2024. THE PORT IS ALSO HOME TO FLORIDA'S LARGEST FOREIGNTRADE ZONE
South Florida Moves the World
BY YOUSRA BENKIRANE
At sunrise on a spring morning at Port Everglades, dozens of logistics executives, freight forwarders, legal advisors, and port officials filed into the Celebrity cruises terminal for a summit that felt less like a meeting and more like a mission. The message: South Florida isn’t just a trade gateway. It’s the control center of the Western Hemisphere’s logistics network — and Greater Miami is redefining what that means in an era of nearshoring, e-commerce, climate challenges, and tumultuous tariffs.
“This is exactly what we need,” said vice president of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce Diego Morones. “We’re in a moment of global chaos, but also opportunity. We need spaces to reassess and have real conversations about what the future holds.”
The future, as it turns out, is already arriving in South Florida.
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South Florida is critical for exports to the Caribbean and Central America, especially for perishables ...
MICHELLE FAJARDO, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA CUSTOMS BROKERS AND FORWARDERS ASSOCIATION (FCBF) AND PRESIDENT OF CARGO INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATORS
BOTTOM: THE $437 MILLION PORT EVERGLADES SOUTHPORT TURNING NOTCH EXTENSION ADDS 1,500 FEET OF BERTH SPACE
SOUTH FLORIDA, LOGISTICS LEADER
South Florida’s rise as a logistics powerhouse didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of decades of planning, investment, and a drive to stay one step ahead of global trade trends. From the days of container ships arriving with textiles and fruit to today’s interconnected network of ports, rail lines, air cargo hubs, and digitally optimized warehouses, the region has transformed itself into the linchpin of commerce between the Americas – and increasingly, the world.
“South Florida is critical for exports to the Caribbean and Central America, especially for perishables,” says the first vice president of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (FCBF) and president of Cargo International Consolidators, Michelle Fajardo. “A lot of my clients buy their produce here because we’re a major importer and re-exporter. There’s a whole fast-turnover economy that relies on South Florida’s logistics.” (See sidebar.)
At the heart of this dynamism are the region’s three logistics pillars: PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Miami International Airport. Together, these hubs handle hundreds of billions in trade annually, fueling everything from fast fashion to pharmaceuticals. Yet it’s not just the volume that’s impressive – it’s the intelligence
of the system. Data integration, trade expertise, and policy agility allow South Florida to serve not only as a conduit for goods, but as a decision-making core for global supply chains.
Infrastructure is the skeleton of any logistics operation. The expansion of Port Everglades is one of the most visible signs of this evolution. With its $471 million Southport Turning Notch Extension, the port adds 1,500 feet of berth space and features Super Post-Panamax cranes that can handle the larger vessels. The project is part of a master vision plan that spans decades and includes not only physical upgrades, but also deeper community partnerships and environmental mitigations.
PortMiami, for its part, has recently seen new shipping services that are making it a first-in call from both South America and Europe – a strategic advantage that reduces delays and ensures cargo gets to inland destinations faster. “We started new services from the east and west coasts of South America, and a few from Europe. It’s the first time in over a decade that we’re seeing Miami as the first port of call from these regions,” says PortMiami director Hydi Webb.
Photo by Alexia Fodere
TRADE WATCHDOGS
Behind every container cleared and every export shipment tracked from Miami to Managua is a tight-knit but influential group of professionals that form the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (FCBF) — the largest regional trade association of its kind in the United States.
Founded in 1960, FCBF represents more than 400 member firms involved in international trade, including customs brokers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and trade attorneys. The organization serves as a bridge between the private sector and regulatory bodies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Our job is to stay ahead of policy changes, inform our members, and make sure South Florida’s voice is heard in Washington,” said the association’s First Vice President, Michelle Fajardo, who also leads Cargo International Consolidators, a freight forwarding firm focused on exports to the Caribbean and Central America. “We’re constantly in communication with Customs, USDA, FDA — you name it. That’s how we keep goods moving, even when policy throws a curveball.”
That local-to-national dynamic matters more than ever as policies shift under the new Trump administration. Proposed tariffs, increased port fees, and the threat of a $1.5 million levy on Chinese-built ships have triggered concern across the logistics sector. For exporters shipping to the Caribbean and Central America — many of whom rely on Miami’s speed — these changes could prompt realignment. “Some of my clients are already bypassing U.S. ports altogether and sourcing directly from Brazil or China,” she says. “They’re watching the policy environment closely.”
Still, she sees South Florida’s infrastructure as an advantage. The region’s connectivity, warehousing ecosystem, and seasoned logistics talent give it an edge — especially when speed is critical. “Clients choose Miami because they can get goods to the Caribbean in five days. From other U.S. ports, it might take 30 to 40.”
Asked what she’d fix with a magic wand, her answer was simple: visibility. “Everyone wants to know where their goods are in real time — whether it’s a flower shipment or hotel furniture,” she said. “That’s the future of logistics.”
Those first-in calls matter. They reduce dwell times, improve container velocity, and attract more shippers looking for quicker service to inland markets. PortMiami’s intermodal rail and its downtown tunnel – diverting 80% of container truck traffic – are key assets. The expansion from three to five rail tracks will allow for more frequent and larger train volumes, improving connectivity to distribution centers across the state and beyond.
“Miami-Dade County is one of the top trading destinations of the Americas, thanks to the world-class infrastructure and operations that run our record-breaking airport and seaport every day. PortMiami has not only transformed our iconic skyline and bolstered our economy, but its ongoing commitment to bringing innovation and technology will allow the seaport to work more efficiently, create local jobs, and serve our global customers better,”
PORTMIAMI'S LOCATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE ALLOWS IT TO BE THE GLOBAL GATEWAY TO THE CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICA
MICHELLE FAJARDO OF CARGO INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATORS
Photo by Alexia Fodere
says Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is also moving mountains – by air. Ranked the number one U.S. airport for international air freight, MIA processes goods from perishables to electronics with growing speed and efficiency. The airport is developing a Vertically Integrated Cargo Community (VICC), a new facility that will expand capacity by 50% and include multi-level warehousing, sustainable design, and space for e-commerce operators.
“It will be more integrated and efficient than existing facilities at MIA and is designed to be completely sustainable,” said MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié. “Until this facility is built, MIA is working towards providing its airport partners with access to a cargo community system (CCS), an app-based technology for streamlining the movement of cargo by connecting the different players in the supply chain on a single platform. The CCS will provide MIA tenants with greater speed, efficiency, and transparency in the movement of cargo, and MIA will gain efficiencies in its overall cargo operations.”
The numbers speak volumes. De minimis shipments – those valued under $800, largely driven by e-commerce – rose from 1.6 million in 2021 to a staggering 75 million in 2023. That’s a 4,587% increase in two years. “What makes the process of moving goods at MIA unique compared to peer airports is the exceptional infrastructure it has in place – both in its facilities and its human resources –for maximizing throughput and efficiency,” says Cutié.
This momentum has drawn global names. UPS operates an in-
After
five consecutive years of recordbreaking cargo growth, MIA continues taking care of business as they move up the ranks among cargo hubs in the U.S. and the world...
LEFT:
ternational gateway out of MIA, handling thousands of shipments daily for destinations across Latin America.
“After five consecutive years of record-breaking cargo growth, MIA continues taking care of business as they move up the ranks among cargo hubs in the U.S. and the world,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “With the construction of a new cutting-edge cargo facility in the works, the future looks brighter than ever for MIA as a global leader in air cargo. This project is also expected to generate thousands of jobs for our residents and bring new business opportunities to small companies in the construction and cargo logistics.”
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MAYOR DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA (ABOVE)
RALPH CUTIÉ, LEFT, DIRECTOR AND CEO, MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA)
THE PLANNED EXPANSION AT MIA WILL INCREASE WAREHOUSING BY OVER 50%
A SPRINT TO KEEP UP
South Florida’s warehouse developers are racing to keep up. Prologis, which owns more than 20 million square feet of logistics space in South Florida, has been at the forefront of smart warehouse development, deploying buildings equipped with robotics, cold storage, solar energy systems, and EV-charging docks. The sites are strategically located near Miami International Airport and the Palmetto Expressway, providing quick access for both imports and exports. In Doral, Bridge Industrial is converting former rail yards into high-tech facilities designed for faster turnaround times and cross-docking.
Cold chain logistics is one of the fastest-growing sectors, stirred by demand for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive goods. Lineage Logistics and Americold have significantly expanded their refrigerated storage footprints in South Florida, positioning themselves to serve both domestic and export markets.
Companies like Ryder System, headquartered in Miami, manage complex supply chain operations across the Americas. Their integrated services – from fleet management to contract logistics –make them a vital link in industries like retail, auto, and healthcare.
Ryder’s regional footprint includes major distribution hubs in Medley and Hialeah, locations selected for their multimodal access and proximity to key markets. These centers manage everything from temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals to seasonal retail inventories. Ryder’s investment in digital platforms also allows clients to track shipments in real time, making their operations more responsive to market volatility.
FedEx and UPS both operate expansive logistics campuses in the region, tied closely to MIA’s air cargo network. UPS’s international gateway facility at MIA handles thousands of express shipments daily, serving as a hub for Latin American deliveries. FedEx recently opened a new regional sorting facility in southwest Miami-Dade to speed up overnight deliveries across the Southeast.
Amazon, too, has delivery stations scattered throughout the
WITHERS WORLDWIDE
For Chip Withers, above, president of Miami-based Withers Worldwide, logistics is rarely straightforward. His firm manages complex hospitality projects across the globe, sourcing everything from custom furniture to FDA-cleared silverware and coordinating deliveries to resorts, casinos, and stadiums. That means navigating a tangled web of international suppliers, regulatory hurdles, and unpredictable conditions. “You’re only as good as your weakest link,” Withers said. “And in logistics, one missed connection can throw off the whole chain.”
Recent years have only heightened that fragility. Low water levels in the Panama Canal, supply imbalances from China, and new Trumpera tariffs are creating fresh layers of complexity. “The whole world is a lot smaller,” he says. “If a port in California or the Suez Canal has issues, it impacts everyone. We’ve seen how quickly a single disruption can ripple across the entire system.”
South Florida, he notes, has held up relatively well amid the turbulence. With its air and sea connectivity and dense network of freight forwarders, customs brokers, and warehousing firms, the region is built for adaptation. Still, the pressure is real. Warehouse space is increasingly dominated by e-commerce giants, pushing up costs. Customs classifications are shifting under new tariff policies, and every delay comes with downstream consequences.
Withers describes projects that involve as many as five or six international stops before final delivery — fabrics dyed in France, finished in the U.S., sewn into furniture in Asia, and finally installed at a hotel in Hawaii. “It’s not as simple as moving cargo from A to B,” he says. “We’re dealing with quotas, environmental approvals, duty drawbacks, and everything in between.”
The stakes, he adds, are higher now than ever. “You have to build flexibility into the system. That’s the only way to stay ahead of what’s coming next.”
tri-county area and a fulfillment center in Opa-locka. The company’s presence is reshaping last-mile logistics. These facilities support Miami’s role as a two-day shipping center for most of Latin America and a one-day service point for much of the U.S. Southeast.
But infrastructure alone doesn’t move goods — people do. And South Florida’s workforce is increasingly seen as one of its most strategic assets. Gary Goldfarb, Chief Strategy Officer at Interport Logistics and Chair of the World Trade Center Miami, has been sounding the alarm about the need for continued investment in education and talent development.
“This region has knowledge that can’t be taught in a textbook,” said Goldfarb. “We’ve got people who understand the regulatory environment in Brazil, the freight quirks of Panama, the political climate in the Dominican Republic. That kind of insight is priceless.”
Florida International University (FIU) and Miami Dade College are trying to ensure that this expertise doesn’t retire with the most seasoned generation. Dr. Gregory Maloney, who leads FIU’s logistics master’s program, emphasizes real-world learning and systems thinking. “They were hiring a lot of engineering and tech-oriented people at first. But over time, they started to realize that these logistics businesses – at their core – are businesses. Their strength lies in increasing margins and lowering costs, and that’s a business function. That’s not necessarily how an engineer is trained to think,” he explained, “so when we were talking with them, they came to us and said, ‘Hey, these businesses are booming. We need people who understand how business works – how to run operations, how to manage customers.’ That’s what led us to develop the program within the College of Business. Our students graduate understanding the key logistics components, but they are also grounded in business management concepts.” (See sidebar.)
The result is a talent pipeline that feeds seamlessly into local employers. Amazon, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and third-party logistics firms routinely recruit from FIU and MDC. These graduates are becoming systems analysts, operations planners, and compliance officers. “That speaks to the current state of the industry. We’re
evolving – from a landscape filled with smaller, less complex transportation businesses to much more sophisticated operations that function more like large corporations,” says Dr. Maloney.
South Florida’s customs and compliance community is another pillar of its ecosystem. Deborah Stern, a trade attorney at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, helps clients navigate what she calls the “regulatory alphabet soup” of agencies – CBP, FDA, DOT, USDA. With the Trump administration’s sweeping 10% tariff reimposition on most imports, her phone has been ringing nonstop.
“Companies are trying to respond to daily changes in trade rules,” Stern said. “They’re reclassifying goods, re-sourcing suppliers, and recalculating pricing models. It’s chaotic, but if you’re compliant, you can be agile. That’s where Miami shines.”
The region’s Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) are another arrow
INTERPORT LOGISTICS FACILITIES OFFERING WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION ACROSS ALL MAJOR INDUSTRIES
We’re not a major manufacturing hub, but we’re central to movement. The knowledge economy of logistics is growing right here ...
GARY GOLDFARB, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER AT INTERPORT LOGISTICS AND CHAIR OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER MIAMI
in the quiver. These federally designated zones allow companies to defer or reduce duties and simplify customs processes. Goldfarb has helped activate more than 900 FTZs in his career. “When trade gets turbulent,” he said, “FTZs are great.”
Nearshoring – the shift of production closer to consumer markets – is also reshaping supply routes. Miami and Port Everglades are both seeing increased traffic from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia. Apparel, processed foods, and pharmaceuticals are increasingly sourced from the Western Hemisphere, reducing shipping times and improving resilience.
For perishables and fast-turnover goods, South Florida remains essential. “You can get goods from Miami to Santo Domingo or Nassau in under a week,” Fajardo said. “That time advantage is something you just can’t replicate from farther north.”
Miami’s trade diplomacy is also a growing force. The Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and World Trade Center Miami regularly host delegations from Europe, Latin America, and Asia. These visits generate partnerships, secure foreign direct investment, and signal confidence in South Florida’s role as a trade leader. Public-private partnerships have been instrumental in advancing infrastructure, including port dredging, airport cargo modernization, and broadband expansion to support digital logistics platforms.
“We’re not a major manufacturing hub,” Goldfarb said. “But we’re central to movement. The knowledge economy of logistics is growing right here.” l
A LOGISTICS BRAINTRUST
Ten years ago, few universities treated logistics as a front-line discipline. Today, Florida International University (FIU) has responded by building one of South Florida’s most targeted academic pipelines for the sector.
Launched just over six years ago, FIU’s Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management was the first graduate-level logistics program in South Florida. It now boasts over 500 graduates, many of whom are working in warehousing, air cargo, ocean freight, and supply chain analytics across the region — and beyond. The program is housed in FIU’s College of Business and backed by key local industry partners, including Ryder and PayCargo.
“This industry hasn’t had a formal education track until recently,” says Dr. Gregory Maloney, the program’s director and a former VP of analytics at Bacardi. “Most of the veterans in logistics came into it from other fields. But with the pressure for real-time delivery, efficiency, and cost control, businesses now need people trained in both logistics and business.”
The curriculum blends core logistics functions — like inventory management, procurement, and forecasting — with business strategy, analytics, and emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain. “We’re not just producing operations managers,” says Dr. Maloney. “We’re training people who understand where logistics is headed and how to drive that transformation.”
FIU’s location in Miami also gives students a real-world edge. The university partners with companies across the Miami Customs District and beyond, in order to place students in internships and full-time roles. “We’re working to formalize more pipelines with local employers,” Dr. Maloney adds. “The demand is there — what we need now is continuity.”
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Opportunities and Challenges
As companies look to shorten supply chains and diversify away from Asia, countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic are becoming increasingly attractive. Their proximity to the U.S. and deep trading relationships with South Florida make them prime partners. Already, Miami and Port Everglades are seeing new services emerge from these markets, reflecting a shifting geography of trade. For example, PortMiami’s officials noted a 12% increase in import volumes from Central America over the past year, largely due to nearshoring adjustments.
“We’re seeing some suppliers relocating operations from China to Guatemala and El Salvador – places that can reach our ports in under four days,” says PortMiami Director Hydi Webb. But with opportunity comes challenges. Real estate in Miami-Dade is increasingly scarce, pushing industrial development farther west.
Port Tampa Bay and Port Manatee are also building out capabilities, but South Florida’s unique position – both geographically and in its long-established trade relationships – continues to give it an edge.
We’re seeing some suppliers relocating operations from China to Guatemala and El Salvador — places that can reach our ports in under four days ...
Then there’s competition from outside the U.S. “Mexico will be the dominant player in this region if they continue to collaborate with the U.S.,” says Gary Goldfarb, chief strategy officer for Interport Logistics. “And Colombia isn’t far behind, especially in apparel and processed foods.”
In terms of sustainability, investors, customers, and regulators alike are pushing for greener operations. That means more electric trucks, more energy-efficient buildings, and more investment in carbon offsets and ESG reporting. At Port Everglades, a solar energy microgrid project is underway in partnership with Florida Power & Light, aimed at reducing emissions from terminal equipment.
Private developers are following suit. Prologis is piloting a new energy-efficient warehouse in Doral with solar roofing and EVcharging capacity for 40 delivery trucks. Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County has announced a green fleet program to electrify its county-owned cargo vehicles by 2028. “It’s no longer enough to be fast and efficient,” says Director Webb. “You’ve got to be clean, too.” l
HYDI WEBB, PORTMIAMI DIRECTOR (ABOVE)
Tariff Tradeoffs
In early April 2025, the stakes got even higher. President Donald Trump, newly returned to office, proposed a sweeping 10% tariff on nearly all imported goods, set to take effect later this year. A move that sent shockwaves through global markets and left logistics professionals in South Florida scrambling to understand what these aggressive tariffs would mean for the region’s trade lifelines. The tariffs, which apply broadly rather than targeting specific industries or countries, have been widely criticized as they could trigger a trade war, distort or even upend supply chains, and raise prices for consumers.
Trade attorney Deborah Stern emphasized the importance of preparedness: “We’re seeing clients hit with multiple overlapping tariffs – on steel, aluminum, and Chinese-origin products. Many are now rethinking sourcing and product classification.”
The landscape has become more complex, especially as companies must balance sourcing decisions with sudden shifts in tariff policy – for example, Mr. Trump’s 90-day tariff pause announced on April 9. “Some weren’t even taking USMCA exemptions because the tariff was already zero,” Stern said. “Now, they’re scrambling to get the paperwork done.”
Additionally concerning is the proposed $1.5 million fee on vessels built in China, which would raise costs dramatically for trade with the Caribbean and Central America, two of South Florida’s most critical markets. “During the pandemic, container rates from China spiked to $20,000 – and clients still paid. They need the product. But every policy shift creates uncertainty, and that affects everyone along the chain,” says Chip Withers, president of logistics company Withers Worldwide.
But while many regions would buckle under such pressures, South Florida adapts. Legal experts, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and consultants are working closely together to reroute cargo, adjust classification codes, and identify trade benefits. Companies are also leveraging Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), which can defer or reduce duties; South Florida leads the nation in FTZ activations.
What sets South Florida apart is not just infrastructure, workforce, or legal know-how – but how these elements are integrated. The region functions as a living supply chain organism. Ports feed into rail. Rail feeds into warehouses. Airports connect to cold storage. Universities feed talent directly into freight and compliance firms. “Our ports are doing fabulously,” adds Michelle Fajardo of Florida Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association. “There’s a close relationship between local businesses, regulatory agencies, and port operators. That collaboration is what keeps the cargo moving.” She praised PortMiami, Port Everglades, and the surrounding logistics infrastructure for their ability to prevent major disruptions, even during national crises like the pandemic: “The savviness of our logistics industry here is unmatched.”
A critical piece of that integration is Florida East Coast Railway (FEC), which runs along the Atlantic coast and connects South Florida’s ports with major inland markets and distribution hubs. The FEC’s on-dock rail capabilities at PortMiami and Port Everglades allow containers to be loaded directly onto trains, reducing truck congestion and cutting down transit times to central Florida and beyond. Since its acquisition by Grupo México Transportes in 2017, FEC has continued investing in track modernization and intermodal connectivity.
Multimodal access is a key advantage. From South Florida, logistics firms can reach 70% of the U.S. population within two days and provide overnight service to major Latin American markets. l
DEBORAH STERN OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS LAW FIRM SANDLER, TRAVIS & ROSENBERG
