Miami could see a significant expansion of its role as a fresh produce gateway to the US with the opening of the new South Florida Logistics Centre. Operator The new 80ha intermodal logistics complex, located next to Miami International Airport, includes a 170,000ft2 warehouse with 30,000ft2 of refrigerated space, a raft of multimodal transportation access and Foreign Trade Zone.
“We’ve created a unique, world-class logistics hub with unparalleled worldwide access and a comprehensive, scalable real estate and logistics solution that is helping importers and exporters move their goods in and out of South Florida more efficiently,” said Chris Scott, president and CEO of Flagler Global Logistics who operates the site.
The centre also includes a new method of preserving the cold chain for produce and other perishable items, decreasing the amount of time they are in transit and extending shelf-life.
“Our logistic centre’s enhanced transportation infrastructure provides nationwide rail access and exclusive connectivity to PortMiami and PortEverglades,” said Scott. “Coupled with our innovative cold chain treatment technology and facility, we are well positioned to drive a major shift in the supply chain to redirect the flow of goods – particularly perishables – from the southeast to the northeast.”
Miami is one of several ports in southern Florida aiming to boost their fresh produce throughput. The Florida Perishables Trade Coalition (FPTC) is currently undertaking a six-month pilot project to allow fruit arriving from Chile and Peru to receive the required cold treatment in ports in the south of the state. Nelly Yunta of the FPTC said the move would cut transit times and reduce costs for operators.
