Container Drayage for Flower and Plant Imports at Miami International

Container Drayage for Flower and Plant Imports in Miami

Miami handles approximately 80% of all flower imports entering the United States — primarily from Colombia, Ecuador, and other Latin American countries. While most flowers arrive by air through MIA, significant volumes also come through PortMiami via refrigerated containers, requiring specialized cold chain drayage.

USDA and CBP Inspection Requirements

All plant and flower imports must clear USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) inspection in addition to standard customs clearance. USDA inspects for pests, diseases, and prohibited plant materials. If your container is flagged, it may be held at the terminal or sent to a USDA inspection facility — requiring additional drayage moves.

Cold Chain Is Everything

Flowers are among the most perishable imports. Cut flowers have a vase life measured in days, and every hour at improper temperatures reduces their shelf life. Reefer containers must maintain 33-36°F during the entire drayage leg. In Miami’s tropical heat, even a brief equipment failure can damage an entire container. Fast drayage to cold storage is critical.

Drayage to Distribution Facilities

Most flower containers are delivered to specialized cooler facilities in the Doral area where they’re broken down, inspected, and redistributed to florists, grocery chains, and wholesalers. Some go to cross-dock facilities for immediate redistribution. Last-mile delivery to retail locations requires refrigerated trucks as well.

Go Freight’s Perishable Drayage

Go Freight provides temperature-controlled container drayage for flower and plant importers. We prioritize reefer containers for fast pickup, maintain cold chain integrity throughout transport, and deliver to cooler facilities across South Florida. Our team understands the urgency of perishable cargo and the USDA inspection process.