International Container Drayage: From Miami Ports to FTZ Warehouses

Container Drayage to Foreign Trade Zone Warehouses in Miami

Miami’s proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean makes it a hub for international trade — and Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) near PortMiami and Port Everglades offer significant duty and tax advantages for importers. Getting your containers from the port to an FTZ facility requires specialized drayage that meets customs security requirements.

What Is a Foreign Trade Zone?

An FTZ is a designated area near a U.S. port of entry where imported goods can be stored, assembled, manufactured, or processed without paying customs duties until the goods enter U.S. commerce. Miami has multiple FTZ sites, including FTZ #281 covering much of Miami-Dade County. Importers can defer, reduce, or even eliminate duties on goods processed within the zone.

Drayage Requirements for FTZ Moves

Moving containers to FTZ facilities isn’t the same as standard drayage. The container must remain sealed during transit — it cannot be opened between the port and the FTZ. Your drayage carrier must be a customs-bonded carrier with proper CTPAT certification. Documentation including the FTZ admission paperwork must be in order before the container leaves the terminal.

Benefits of FTZ Drayage

By moving containers to an FTZ bonded warehouse, importers can delay duty payment until goods are actually sold. Goods that are re-exported never incur U.S. duties at all. This is especially valuable for Miami’s busy re-export trade with Latin America. Combined with transloading services, FTZ warehousing can significantly reduce landed costs.

Go Freight’s FTZ Drayage Service

Go Freight provides bonded container drayage from PortMiami and Port Everglades to FTZ and bonded warehouse facilities throughout South Florida. As a customs-bonded carrier, we maintain the chain of custody required for FTZ transfers. Our freight forwarding team can also assist with FTZ admission documentation.