Florida East Coast Railway and the Port of Miami have set up a strategic alliance, offering service that includes on-dock intermodal rail capabilities.

Called the Sunshine Gateway service, this ship to rail transfer allows the port to handle additional volumes and ensures that shipments move more quickly with the potential to reach 70% of the United States population in four days or less, according to an announcement from both parties.

“Our goal has always been to facilitate the process of cargo shipments for fast and efficient delivery to our customers,” said Juan M. Kuryla, PortMiami Director. “Through our partnership with FECR, we are expanding access for shipments coming into and out of the port to reach their final destinations seamlessly and with greater reliability.”

Adding to this service, PortMiami officials said, is a 50 foot-deep dredge project enabling the facility to handle larger vessels transporting more cargo.

“Our investments in infrastructure and collaboration with innovative providers like FECR, ensure that we are well positioned for the Panama Canal expansion,” said Kuryla. An expansion of the Panama Canal is set to be completed next year, allowing larger ships to pass through to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts.

This news follows FECR last month announcing it increased its intermodal capacity by adding new equipment, including 500 new 53’ containers and 100 chassis along with 50 refrigerated trailers that were scheduled to be in service by now for the peak shipping season.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Florida East Coast Railway is a 351-mile rail system located along the east coast of Florida providing a range of services, including carload and door-to-door intermodal services across North America in conjunction with other railway systems.