Miami Import and Export Drayage for Ocean Containers, Flat Racks, and Open-Top Containers

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Moving ocean freight through South Florida requires more than transportation between a port and a warehouse. When cargo is oversized, unusually shaped, or shipped on specialized equipment, it also requires experienced handling, secure lashing, and careful coordination throughout every stage of the move.

PTS Logistics provides import and export drayage services through both Port Miami and Port Everglades. Our experienced Miami terminal team, led by Miami Station Director Julian Castaneda, has strong capacity to support standard ocean containers as well as flat racks, open-top containers, and other specialized cargo.

Drayage Services From Port Miami and Port Everglades

Drayage connects ocean freight with the next stage of its journey. For imported cargo, this may involve retrieving a container from the port and transporting it to a warehouse for unloading, storage, consolidation, or distribution. For exports, drayage may include transporting a loaded container to the port in preparation for its ocean voyage.

PTS Logistics serves both of South Florida’s major cargo gateways:

  • Port Miami
  • Port Everglades

Our Miami team coordinates container pickup and delivery while helping customers keep shipments moving between the port, our Miami warehouse, and their next destination.

Having access to both ports gives importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and other logistics partners greater flexibility when managing cargo moving through South Florida.

Specialized Handling for Flat Racks and Open-Top Containers

Not every shipment fits inside a standard enclosed container. Industrial equipment, machinery, construction materials, vehicles, and other oversized cargo may require specialized container equipment.

A flat rack has a platform and end walls but no fixed side walls or roof. This allows cargo that is wider or taller than a standard container to be loaded and transported.

An open-top container has sides but uses a removable covering rather than a solid roof. It is often used when cargo must be loaded from above or is too tall for a standard container.

These container types offer important flexibility, but the cargo must be positioned, supported, and secured correctly. Improper loading or lashing can increase the risk of cargo damage, safety concerns, failed inspections, and costly transportation delays.

PTS Logistics has the equipment, capacity, and experienced personnel needed to handle these more complex shipments at our Miami operation.

National Cargo Bureau Certified Lashing in Miami

The PTS Logistics Miami operation is National Cargo Bureau certified for lashing cargo on flat racks and in open-top containers.

Lashing is the process of securing cargo to prevent it from shifting during transportation. Depending on the shipment, this may involve straps, chains, wire rope, blocking, bracing, and other securement methods.

For flat-rack cargo, proper securement may include evaluating:

  • The condition and suitability of the flat rack
  • Cargo dimensions and weight distribution
  • Blocking, bracing, and bedding
  • The placement and strength of lashing materials
  • Out-of-gauge dimensions
  • The overall stability of the loaded cargo

The National Cargo Bureau conducts flat-rack securing inspections based on applicable regulations, recommendations, and customer requirements. Working with a certified operation helps shippers prepare specialized cargo for inspection and ocean transport while reducing the risk of problems caused by inadequate securement.

This certification applies specifically to the PTS Logistics Miami operation.

Support Beyond Port Drayage

PTS Logistics can provide more than transportation to and from the port. Our Miami warehouse supports customers with services that can help simplify the movement and handling of imported and exported cargo.

Available capabilities include:

  • Import and export container drayage
  • Flat-rack and open-top container handling
  • Cargo lashing and securement
  • Transloading and cross-docking
  • Import and export consolidation
  • Container unloading and loading
  • General warehousing and distribution
  • Indoor and outdoor storage
  • Heavy-lift capabilities
  • Airport transfers and pickup and delivery
  • Temperature-controlled transportation

By coordinating drayage, handling, storage, and distribution through a single logistics provider, customers can reduce handoffs and gain better visibility into their freight.

An Experienced Miami Terminal Team

Complex cargo requires careful planning and clear communication. PTS Logistics’ Miami terminal is led by Julian Castaneda, an experienced logistics professional with a background in supply chain management, airfreight operations, and third-party logistics.

Julian and the Miami terminal team work closely with customers and logistics partners to coordinate shipments safely and efficiently. Whether the cargo is moving through Port Miami, Port Everglades, Miami International Airport, or the PTS Logistics warehouse, our team understands the importance of responsive service and reliable execution.

Why Choose PTS Logistics for Miami Ocean Container Drayage?

From standard containers to oversized cargo loaded on flat racks or in open-top containers, PTS Logistics has strong capacity to support imports and exports moving through South Florida.

Our combination of port drayage, warehouse services, specialized cargo handling, and National Cargo Bureau certified lashing provides customers with a dependable solution for complex ocean freight.

Contact PTS Logistics to discuss your next import or export shipment through Port Miami or Port Everglades.

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