The Lone Star Express will start operations on May 2nd using container vessels with a capacity of approximately 4,500 – 5,000 TEUs. The string includes the ports of Qingdao, Ningbo, Shanghai, Xiamen, Yantian, Busan, Cristobal, Houston, Mobile, Miami, Balboa, and Busan. 

PortMiami has been steadily capturing new trade. It posted its strongest container traffic in a decade with a total of 1,007,800 TEUs during the 12 month period ending Sept. 30, 2015, an increase of 15 percent. Additionally, Miami was recently ranked among the fastest-growing seaports in the nation. In January alone cargo moves increased approximately 20 percent over January 2015.

Miami officials attribute this continued growth to the more than $1 billion of infrastructure investments made in port facilities. With the deepest shipping channel in the Southeast U.S. (-50/-52 ft), PortMiami is the only seaport south of Virginia capable of handling neo-Panamax vessels. Miami also offers its users a fast access tunnel connecting the Port directly to the U.S. Interstate Highway System as well as the Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) on-dock intermodal rail service, provides rapid turnaround time for the movement of both import and export goods while delivering a seamless network reaching 70% of the U.S. market within four days.
  
“We welcome the Lone Star Express to PortMiami”, said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “Ocean carriers and shippers are considering the advantages of using PortMiami - its excellent geographical location, vital infrastructure, solid and reliable partnerships, and a port team committed to serving its customers at the highest level of standards.”

“Together the Port and FECR move a variety of goods ranging from grain and food products to electronics, furniture and waste products”, said Jim Hertwig, FECR President & CEO. “Today we are well positioned to support new services hauling more than 10,000 TEUs, and we will continue to promote multi-modal shipping and support global trade into and out of South Florida alongside our partners at PortMiami.”

“We thank the 2M Alliance for their confidence in PortMiami,” said Port Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla.  The new service is a major enhancement to the Port’s cargo offerings, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for global commerce between Asia and the United States.  We look forward to the arrival of the Lone Star Express.”

About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized as a global gateway. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to Miami-Dade County and generates 207,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs. For more information please visit www.portmiami.biz.

About Florid East Coast Railway
The Florida East Coast Railway ("FECR") is a 351-mile freight rail system located along the east coast of Florida. It is the exclusive rail provider for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port of Palm Beach. FECR connects to the national railway system in Jacksonville, Florida, to move cargo originating or terminating there.  Based in Jacksonville, Florida, FECR provides end-to-end intermodal and carload solutions to customers who demand cost-effective and premium quality.  For more information, visit www.fecrwy.com.