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Miami, Florida Freight Shipping Quotes
Freight Shipping in Miami
Florida had the fifth greatest value of domestic freight shipments of any U.S. state in 2017 ($382,256 million), as well as the eighth greatest value of inbound freight ($313,862 million) and the 17th greatest value of outbound freight ($186,421 million).
Florida also had the ninth most outbound reefer loads of any state in 2020, at a total of 481,845 loads. Miami plays a crucial part in Florida’s freight activity, having been ranked 22nd on a list of the 100 most logistics-friendly metros in the U.S. in 2004. Features that contribute to this ranking include:
Miami plays a crucial part in Florida’s freight activity, having been ranked 22nd on a list of the 100 most logistics-friendly metros in the U.S. in 2004. Features that contribute to this ranking include:
- Miami International Airport (MIA): A center of international and domestic trade and the main commerce connector between South and North America, MIA transports more international freight than any other airport in the nation and ranks third for both international passengers and cargo. The airport’s infrastructure includes a Cargo Clearance Center with nonstop services from U.S. Customs, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration. Over 300 customs brokers and freight forwarders service MIA, and the airport transported over 30 million passengers and almost 1.8 million tons of cargo in 2002.
- The Port of Miami: The Port of Miami is not only the largest cruise port in the world, but also ranks ninth in the U.S. and first in Florida for commercial tonnage. A total of 3.6 million passengers and 8.7 million tons of cargo passed through the port in 2002.
- The Miami Free Zone: Located five minutes from Miami International Airport and 15 minutes from the Port of Miami, the Miami Free Zone imports freight for U.S. consumption and is one of the biggest duty-free zones in the country.
- Major railway systems: Tri-Rail and Amtrak connect Miami to other cities in Florida as well as across the nation.
- A vast network of roadways: 5,640 miles of roadway — including Interstate 95 and 195 as well as almost 100 motor freight lines — service the Miami area.
Perhaps because of all of this freight activity, Miami has some of the worst travel times in the country — something to keep in mind when scheduling shipments through the area.
Major Industries and Commercial Activity in Miami
The primary industry in Miami is tourism, with secondary industries including trade and international banking.
Miami’s trade is largely international, and the city is known as the “gateway to the Americas” because of its proximity to both the Caribbean and Latin America and the fact that companies often choose to locate their Latin American headquarters in the Miami area. Miami is home to the World Trade Center Miami (the oldest international organization in Florida) as well as 64 foreign consulates, 32 binational chambers of commerce, and 25 international trade offices.
Miami has the largest concentration of international and domestic banks south of New York on the East Coast, including around 100 commercial banks, foreign bank agencies, thrift institutions, and Edge Act banks. International banks from Brazil, England, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Spain, and Venezuela all have offices located in Miami-Dade County.
Three companies with headquarters in Miami made the Fortune 500 list in 2019: World Fuel Services, Lennar, and Ryder System.
Major goods produced in Miami include:
- Apparel
- Books and magazines
- Textiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plastics
- Medical and diagnostic testing equipment
- Aluminum products
- Light manufactured goods
- Furniture
- Transportation equipment
- Electronic components
- Cement
Miami also produces a number of agricultural products, including citrus fruits, avocados, beans, and tomatoes, with produce season in Florida peaking in June.
Florida’s top interstate trading partners include Georgia, California, Texas, and New York.
How Weather Impacts Freight Shipping in Miami
Considering that Florida has had more major and total hurricanes than any other U.S. state since 1851, shippers are smart to plan ahead when scheduling shipments into or out of Miami. Hurricane season in Florida runs from the beginning of June through the end of November.
Besides hurricanes, neither Florida nor the Miami metro area are especially known for poor weather events that could impact shipping schedules, but it’s always best to be prepared.
Freight Carriers in Miami
Numerous carriers service the Miami area, and Convoy is here to help you find them. With nearly 50,000 trucks serving nearly 500 facilities in the Miami area, Convoy’s digital freight network makes it easy to match you with not only a safe and experienced carrier, but also a competitive rate.