Fort Lauderdale, FL: Great for Global Goods

Global logistics companies in Fort Lauderdale enjoy terrific transportation options, thanks to Port Everglades and an outstanding infrastructure.

By Kevin Litwin on October 10, 2023

Broward County’s Port Everglades

Global logistics companies in Fort Lauderdale, FL, enjoy a decided location advantage to move goods by truck, train, ship or plane.

One of this region’s key transportation assets is Port Everglades, a seaport along the Atlantic Ocean that provides accessibility to the growing wealth of South America and Central America via the Panama Canal. The canal was recently widened to accommodate huge container and bulk ships, meaning that Port Everglades also needed to expand to serve those massive ships.

“With a combination of funds from the federal government and Broward County, about $2 billion has gone into the upgrade of Port Everglades,” says Todd Holt, vice president of business development for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.

Port Improvements

Improvements include widening the port, deeper dredging, and adding a new berth and turnaround area. “It’s difficult for huge cargo ships to turn around in a port, and now, they can do that at Port Everglades,” Holt says.

The widening of the port was also important because Port Everglades not only serves cargo ships, but it is also one of the busiest venues in the world for vacation cruise ships. The widening now allows cargo ships to pass more safely by docked cruise ships.

Another key contributor to our logistics industry success is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Most of Florida’s exports and imports come through the Miami Customs District, Holt says, and Port Everglades and FLL are major players in the overall economy of the district.

25K Logistics Jobs

With Greater Fort Lauderdale being vital in moving goods, several logistics companies are doing business in the region. The list of successful companies includes Amazon, Area 51, Flexible Logistics, Global Xpress, Sea Land, ShipMonk, Suddath, Total Quality Logistics and XPO.

The global logistics sector accounts for more than 25,000 transportation and warehousing jobs in Broward County, Holt says, with many of those workers speaking both English and Spanish.

Several local higher education institutions offer academic programs related to logistics, including the Supply Chain Management programs at Broward College. Another example is at Nova Southeastern University, where multiple supply chain management courses are offered.

Products moving in and out of Greater Fort Lauderdale include petroleum, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles.