Flagler Global Logistics
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Logistics, Industrial real estate |
| Predecessor | South Florida Logistics Services |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Coral Gables , United States |
Area served | Florida, United States |
Key people | Chris Scott (President and CEO) |
| Products | Third-party logistics, supply chain management, commercial real estate development |
| Parent | Florida East Coast Industries |
Flagler Global Logistics is a Coral Gables, Florida–based firm specializing in integrated third-party logistics and supply chain management solutions. Recognized as Florida's leading industrial real estate developer, it owns key assets featuring rail, seaport, and airport connections that are highly suited for industrial growth.
As a fully owned subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, the company was initially established under the name South Florida Logistics Services before adopting its current branding in 2013.
History
The origins of Flagler Global Logistics date back to 1892 with the railroad and land development ventures initiated by entrepreneur Henry M. Flagler. Flagler, who co-founded Standard Oil, constructed a rail system along Florida’s east coast stretching from Jacksonville to Key West, acquiring extensive land holdings including territories that evolved into Miami.
Following a bankruptcy beginning in 1931, Florida East Coast Railway was acquired by the Alfred I. duPont Testamentary Trust and managed under the St. Joe Company. In 1983, St. Joe established FOXX Holdings to oversee the railway and its real estate division, Flagler Development Company. FOXX Holdings was renamed Florida East Coast Industries in 2000. In 2007, Fortress Investment acquired Florida East Coast Industries for $3.5 billion and subsequently separated Florida East Coast Railway into an independent entity.
To capitalize on its prime land assets and broaden its third-party logistics offerings, Florida East Coast Industries formed South Florida Logistics Services LLC in Delaware in April 2013 and officially registered it in Florida the following month.
In November 2013, the company transitioned to the name Flagler Global Logistics to better represent its enhanced focus on logistics and industrial real estate.
Services
Flagler Global Logistics (FGL) delivers services including cargo consolidation and deconsolidation, multimodal transport solutions, warehouse operations, Foreign Trade Zone facilitation, as well as handling of both dry and refrigerated goods. The company also engages in commercial real estate development.
FGL stands out by providing direct access to PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Miami International Airport.
The firm manages or is developing six Class-A logistics and distribution centers throughout Florida, offering over one million square feet of ready-to-occupy warehouse facilities along with more than 2,000 acres of land poised for nearly 24 million square feet of industrial construction.
Its premier multimodal distribution hub, the South Florida Logistics Center, is located adjacent to Miami International Airport and boasts exclusive rail connectivity through Florida East Coast Railway to key seaports. Established in November 2013 on a site exceeding 200 acres, it includes a cold-chain management facility and is planned to ultimately encompass up to two million square feet of industrial space. This center is designated as an approved magnet site within Foreign Trade Zone No. 281. Prominent tenants include Goodyear and Flying Food Group.
Additional significant properties include:
- Flagler Station – Recognized as Florida’s largest business park, situated near the Florida Turnpike and NW 106th Street in Miami with direct rail access via Florida East Coast Railway. Currently undergoing its third phase of development, which will add 1.7 million square feet of warehouse and distribution capacity expected to be operational by 2015. Upon completion, the park will offer over ten million square feet of combined business, commercial, and industrial space. It is also an approved magnet site for Foreign Trade Zone No. 281 with tenants such as Ryder System, FedEx, Crowley, and Carrier.
- Titusville Logistics Center – Located on 200 acres originally part of Florida East Coast Railway’s land holdings with nearly one mile bordering the FECR mainline. Planned phased construction aims to provide more than three million square feet of Class A warehouse and distribution space. The Canaveral Port Authority recently leased 246,240 square feet at this location to support their cargo operations.
Technology
Flagler Global Logistics utilizes a unique, proprietary cold chain system designed to serve Latin and South American importers dealing with perishables such as fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut flowers. Traditionally, these importers rely on colder ports in the northern regions and then transport goods southward by truck to protect local agriculture from pests, a practice that contributes to increased spoilage. Industry data indicates that approximately $35 billion worth of perishable items are lost each year, with nearly 50% of these losses attributed to temperature variations during transportation.
The facility operated by FGL incorporates state-of-the-art cold chain technologies and preservation techniques that significantly prolong product freshness. In December 2013, the USDA sanctioned these innovative approaches, which Flagler Global Logistics President and CEO Chris Scott described as a “game-changer” for positioning Miami as a strategic distribution center for exporters from Latin America.
Furthermore, Flagler Global Logistics has achieved certification from PrimusGFS under the Global Food Safety Initiative as well as approval from the FDA.