Intermodal Drayage in Miami: Rail, Port & Warehouse

Intermodal drayage is the short truck move that connects containers between modes — ship to warehouse, warehouse to rail ramp, ramp to consignee. In South Florida that means PortMiami and Port Everglades on the ocean side, the FEC railway ramps in Hialeah/Medley on the rail side, and warehouses in between. Planned well, the dray is a minor cost; planned badly, it’s where demurrage, per diem, and missed rail cutoffs pile up.

The Miami intermodal landscape

PortMiami has on-dock intermodal rail served by Florida East Coast Railway, with connections north to Jacksonville and the national Class I network. Import containers can move inland by rail, or dray locally for devanning; export loads work in reverse, with rail cutoffs dictating the drayage schedule. Most South Florida distribution freight, though, moves the classic way: a short dray from terminal to a nearby warehouse.

Where the warehouse fits

The cheapest intermodal plan usually includes a transload. Ocean containers cost money every day you hold them, so importers dray to a warehouse minutes from the port, devan same day, and return the box. Freight then moves onward in domestic trailers — three 40′ containers fit into roughly two 53′ trailers. Go Warehouse supports this flow with transloading, a bonded container freight station, and cross-dock doors for same-day outbound.

How intermodal drayage is priced

Like port drayage: a base per-move rate by distance, plus chassis rental, fuel surcharge, and wait time. Rail moves add ramp fees and storage if boxes miss cutoffs. The two best cost levers are proximity (choose a warehouse close to the terminal or ramp) and speed (same-day devanning so equipment goes back before charges start).

Planning tips for importers and exporters

Book delivery appointments before the vessel arrives; confirm chassis availability in advance; know your free days at terminal and ramp; and give your warehouse the packing list early so devanning and counts start the moment doors open. For exports, work backward from the rail or vessel cutoff and build in a buffer day.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between drayage and intermodal drayage?

Drayage is any short-haul container move. Intermodal drayage specifically connects two modes — ocean, rail, or road — as part of a longer intermodal journey.

Does PortMiami have on-dock rail?

Yes — Florida East Coast Railway provides on-dock intermodal service at PortMiami, connecting South Florida to the national rail network via Jacksonville.

Should I rail a container inland or transload in Miami?

If the freight’s destination is Florida or the Southeast, transloading to 53′ trailers in Miami is usually cheaper and faster. Long-haul moves to the Midwest or West often favor rail.

Moving containers through South Florida? Go Warehouse coordinates drayage, devanning, and onward distribution from one Miami facility. Plan your move with us.