Miami International Airport is the leading U.S. gateway for international air freight to Latin America and the Caribbean, served by more than 40 freighter operators in 2026. The biggest names by volume include Atlas Air, LATAM Cargo, Avianca Cargo, Amerijet, FedEx, and UPS. This guide covers who flies what out of MIA and how importers get cargo off airport quickly once it lands.
The major freighter operators at MIA
Atlas Air
Atlas Air operates one of the largest freighter presences at MIA, flying wide-body 747 and 777 freighters for its own network and on behalf of other carriers, and has expanded into a 250,000 sq ft handling facility at the airport.
LATAM Cargo
LATAM Cargo is among MIA’s busiest cargo airlines, linking Miami with South America daily. Its northbound lift carries much of the flowers, produce, and seafood that make MIA the top U.S. perishables airport.
Avianca Cargo
Avianca Cargo runs roughly 60 weekly freighter frequencies through Miami, one of its largest hubs, with strong coverage of Colombia, Ecuador, and the Andean flower trade.
Amerijet International
Amerijet is Miami’s hometown all-cargo airline, flying 767 freighters to some 38 destinations across the Caribbean and Central and South America. For island supply chains, Amerijet is often the scheduled-lift backbone.
FedEx and UPS
FedEx and UPS both run daily freighter operations at MIA feeding their global express networks — the default choice for parcels and time-definite documents rather than palletized airfreight.
What lands at MIA — and what happens next
Perishables, pharma, e-commerce, aerospace parts, and high-value goods dominate. Once a shipment is broken down by the airline’s ground handler, the clock starts: most handlers charge storage after the free period, and perishables need cold chain protection immediately. That is where airport recovery drayage comes in — a TSA-approved bonded carrier pulls your freight from the airline’s facility and moves it to a warehouse or straight to delivery.
Moving bonded air cargo off airport
International cargo that has not yet cleared customs must move under bond. Go Freight runs TSA bonded trucking at MIA with transfers to our bonded warehouse and container freight station three miles from the airport at 3300 NW 110 St, where cargo can clear, transload, or stage for final delivery. See our primer on MIA-to-CFS bonded transfers for timelines.
Frequently asked questions
Which airline carries the most cargo at MIA?
By freighter presence, Atlas Air and LATAM Cargo are consistently at the top, with Avianca Cargo among the top three. Rankings shift year to year with fleet and route changes.
How fast can freight be recovered from an MIA ground handler?
Once the airline posts freight as available, a bonded recovery carrier can typically pull it the same day. Recovery within hours matters for perishables and for avoiding handler storage fees.
Can imported air cargo leave MIA before customs clearance?
Yes, but only under a customs bond moving to a bonded facility such as a CFS or bonded warehouse, where it is held until CBP releases it.
Cargo landing at MIA this week? Request a recovery and drayage quote or call (786) 445-0150.