On Friday, a group of Cuban nationals gathered at the Miami River port, demanding the release of their vehicles. These cars, meant for shipment to Cuba, have been stuck in Florida for months, held by shipping agencies.
The issue involves three companies: Lucero Services Corp, OK's Charter Services Inc., and OK Import and Export Corp. Witnesses at the scene explained that the hold-up is due to a financial dispute between the exporter, OK Charter, and the port's management. The company reportedly owes money to the port, which is holding the cars as leverage to settle the debt.
Jesús, an employee of Lucero Services, clarified the situation to Telemundo51: "OK Charter owes the port money... so they want to collect that way, keeping the port closed."
The port has imposed daily storage fees of $120 on the cars, forcing owners—who have already paid for shipping—to cough up thousands more to retrieve their vehicles or risk losing them at a public auction.
Jorge Luciano Ponce Medina shared his costly ordeal: "They told me if I don't bring $5,500, I won't be able to pick it up... so I paid the $5,500 and got my car out."
Kenny Soto, another affected individual, emphasized the issue's scale: "I made a deal with a Lucero agency, and we paid for the cars' shipping... the port was closed for almost three months... 131 of us are affected."
Adrián Alpízar questioned how such holds are allowed on those who have fulfilled their payments: "It's impossible that you pay for a service in this country, and eight months later, the car is still held and about to be lost... it's unbelievable in this country."
The conflict has reached official levels. Dariel Fernández, Miami-Dade County's Tax Collector, confirmed an investigation into the three companies for potential fraudulent activities, contract breaches, and export regulation violations.
Fernández warned that the county will not tolerate these practices and may revoke the businesses' licenses while coordinating with local, state, and federal authorities.
Yaumara Morales Blanco, representing Lucero Services, acknowledged the matter is in court: "I'm here on behalf of my clients from Lucero Services, filing the claim for our clients' cars that have been here at the port for months... this is in litigation with OK Charter."
Meanwhile, Kenny Chávez, owner of OK's Charter Services, issued a written statement asserting that they have not ceased operations nor intend to default, attributing the problem to "logistical delays" and a "bank review process" that affected the company's fund availability.
This issue isn't unique. Since March 2026, Cubans in Miami have reported months-long delays in car shipments to Cuba, with agencies promising deliveries within two months but failing to meet those promises.
Adding to this, Fernández's office had already sent letters in October and November 2025 to 75 businesses suspected of illegal trade with Cuba, demanding licenses from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control or the Bureau of Industry and Security, and revoking licenses from non-compliant companies.
As the agencies battle out their financial disagreements in court, 131 families are left fearing the worst if their vehicles, bought with hard-earned savings, go under the auction hammer.
Key Issues in the Miami Port Vehicle Dispute
What caused the vehicle hold-up at the Miami port?
The hold-up is due to a financial dispute between the exporter OK Charter and the port's management. The company owes money to the port, which is withholding the vehicles as leverage.
How are car owners affected by the port's actions?
Car owners are forced to pay additional storage fees or risk losing their vehicles at a public auction, despite having already paid for shipping services.
What steps are being taken by county officials?
Miami-Dade County's Tax Collector is investigating the companies for potential fraud and contract breaches. The county may revoke business licenses and is coordinating with various authorities.