More produce loadings are available at three ports in the Southestern United States.
According to fiscal year 2014 statistics, more than 1 million 20-foot equivalent units — the standard measurement for cargo containers — moved through Port Everglades, almost evenly split between imports and exports. A continually increasing portion of the import units were filled with fresh produce, primarily from Central America and South America.
PortMiami is the only U.S. port with direct, non-stop access to the U.S. interstate highway system. Its rail and highway connections are promoted as ensuring that perishable goods reach 70 percent of the U.S. population in four days or less. It boasts same-day delivery of perishable goods to markets in central Florida, with next-day service to markets in Atlanta and the Southeastern U.S.
PortMiami has 228 million square feet of warehouse space with more than 13 new bulk warehouses under construction. It also lays claim to being the U.S. port closest to Latin America and the Caribbean, resulting in shorter shipping times and extended shelf life for perishables.
Last summer, the Port of Savannah, GA, announced it would import South American citrus, grapes and blueberries that “will arrive sooner and last longer for consumers in the Southeastern U.S.”
South American fresh fruit destined to the Savannah port has traditionally been shipped to Northern U.S. ports. Delivery to Savannah means fruits won’t have to be trucked as far to reach Southeastern markets, allowing fresher fruit and longer shelf life.