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By BF Editors
From the May/June 2025 Issue
When relying on logistics, choosing the right location for operations—such as distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and warehouses—is essential to maintaining efficiency, reducing costs, and meeting customer expectations. Several strategic factors guide location selection to optimize logistics performance and long-term success.
Proximity to key markets is one of the most important considerations. Being close to major customer bases or urban centers allows for faster delivery times, lower transportation costs, and greater responsiveness to demand fluctuations. Companies serving multiple regions often choose centralized or multi-site locations to balance speed and cost.
Access to transportation infrastructure is just as vital. The ideal location should offer convenient access to highways, railroads, ports, and airports to ensure smooth inbound and outbound logistics. Multimodal options are especially valuable for companies with diverse shipping needs. Efficient transport routes reduce transit times and lower fuel consumption, improving both cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Another factor is labor availability and cost. Companies must assess the local workforce’s size, skill level, and wage expectations. In logistics-heavy operations, a reliable labor pool for drivers, warehouse staff, and logistics managers are vital.
Businesses also evaluate how well a location connects to suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users. Choosing a site near major suppliers or vendors can reduce freight costs and simplify procurement.
Risk factors such as natural disasters, political stability, and traffic congestion should be considered. A region with frequent weather-related disruptions or infrastructure bottlenecks are factors to look into when relocating.
Overall, companies relying on logistics evaluate transportation access, proximity to markets, a capable workforce, competitive real estate, and favorable regulatory conditions. These factors help create a basis for a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable logistics operations.
Following are locations that offer assets to move products and people efficiently. This is not an exhaustive list of top logistics hubs, and serves to provide a look at the assets to consider.
Anchorage, Alaska
www.aedcweb.com
Strategically located between North America and Asia, Anchorage is one of the world’s most important logistics hubs. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the 3rd busiest cargo airport globally, each year the airport handles over 3.7 million metric tons of cargo. From Anchorage, companies can reach 90% of the industrialized world within a 9.5 hour flight, making Anchorage an ideal location for time-sensitive shipments.
The Port of Alaska plays a critical role in statewide logistics, moving 5.5 million metric tons of cargo each year and supplying goods to 90% of Alaska’s population. Its deep-water, year-round access supports roll-on/roll-off, containerized, and bulk cargo. The Alaska Railroad ties it all together, connecting the port and airport to key military bases, distribution centers, and communities across the state.
Anchorage is also investing in the future. A major project currently underway is NorthLink Aviation’s new cargo transfer facility at the Ted Stevens Airport. Set to open in 2025, it will add hard stands for 15 widebody aircraft, offer fueling and customs services, and significantly expand the airport’s capacity.
Anchorage’s logistics advantages recently attracted Amazon, which opened its first Alaska delivery station near Anchorage. The new facility enhances last-mile delivery throughout the state and was driven by Anchorage’s multimodal access, business-friendly environment, and skilled workforce.
With continued infrastructure investment and unmatched access to global markets, Anchorage, Alaska is a proven leader in logistics—and there is more to come in the future.
City of Moreno Valley, California
www.MorenoValleyBusiness.com
In the heart of Southern California, the City of Moreno Valley delivers accessible market opportunities, a qualified and motivated workforce, a pro-business environment, and the ultimate California lifestyle.
Moreno Valley’s population of more than 211,000 makes it the second largest city in Riverside County and the twentieth largest in California. 2.4 million people live in a 20-mile trade radius and form a strong workforce of 1.1 million.
The World Logistics Center offers an additional 40.6 million square feet—the largest industrial corporate business campus in California. The city has a skilled workforce of more than 106,000.
With its city-owned electric utility, Moreno Valley offers electric rate discounts ranging from 7% to 26.5%. Businesses may receive an additional 2% to 4% discount for hiring residents. More rebates exist for solar power and energy efficiency upgrades. The city developed the “Hire MoVal” program, which offers business license fee waivers and reimbursements for local hire of graduates and veterans.
For businesses operating in imports and exports, Moreno Valley is a designated foreign trade zone. Under the Time and Materials program, businesses may be eligible for cost savings on post-entitlement services.
Atlanta, Georgia
www.investatlanta.com
Atlanta’s logistics efficiency is bolstered by its multimodal transportation network, including major interstates such as the I-75, I-85, and I-20. Along with the interstates are the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and extensive rail connections. From a statewide perspective, Georgia’s logistics infrastructure remains a cornerstone for its economy, which handles over $900 billion in cargo annually. Georgia’s commitment to expanding its logistics network has contributed to sustained growth, with the industry maintaining levels more than double those of the pre-pandemic era.
Technological advancements are reshaping Atlanta’s logistics landscape. GXO Logistics is starting to work with humanoid robots, such as Agility Robotics’ Digit, in its Atlanta warehouses to automate tasks like container movement and recycling. Greenbox Systems is investing $144 million in an automated warehouse near Jackson, Georgia, which will open in later 2025. This facility will employ AI-driven robotics to streamline operations and is strategically located to serve both Atlanta and the Port of Savannah.
Houston, Texas
www.houston.org
Houston stands at the forefront of global logistics and manufacturing, positioned to serve as a powerful gateway for domestic and international commerce. As a global logistics hub, Houston enables manufacturers to move goods faster, more efficiently, and more cost-effectively—making it an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution.
The Houston region is served by two international airports, over 35 general aviation airports, and one executive airport, providing extensive air cargo options and business travel convenience. For ocean freight, Houston boasts four major seaports, including Port Houston—one of the busiest in the nation. Currently being expanded through Project 11, the Houston Ship Channel will be widened by 170 feet and deepened to 46.5 feet in certain areas, allowing for larger vessels, improved shipping efficiency, and enhanced safety for maritime traffic. These upgrades are essential for manufacturers relying on raw material imports and global exports.
Houston’s 800 miles of mainline rail and access to three Class 1 railroads offer manufacturers dependable, high-volume shipping across North America. Additionally, the region’s 11,700+ lane miles of freeways and expressways provide quick overland access to major U.S. markets, reducing transit times and supply chain disruptions.
Its central location within the U.S. enables efficient coast-to-coast distribution, while its connectivity to global markets gives manufacturers a competitive edge. This logistics strength has attracted top companies like Apple and Tesla, who have recently announced manufacturing facility relocations to the Houston region.
With a combination of infrastructure, strategic location, and business momentum, Houston is primed to lead the next wave of industrial growth and global trade.
Louisville, Kentucky
www.greaterlouisville.com
Home to the Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali, Louisville, Kentucky, has emerged as a leading logistics hub, offering unparalleled advantages for businesses to optimize supply chain operations. A central location is a key asset, placing it within a day’s drive of 70% of the U.S. population. Proximity to major markets allows businesses to efficiently distribute goods, reducing transit times and costs.
The region boasts a comprehensive network of highways, railways, and waterways. The intersections of I-65, I-64, and I-71 provide seamless connectivity for ground transportation, while the Ohio River offers vital access from two in-land ports. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, home to UPS Worldport, is the world’s sixth busiest air cargo hub and houses the largest automated package sorting facility in the world, capable of handling over 400,000 packages per hour.
UPS Worldport is a cornerstone of Louisville’s logistics prowess, employing around 24,000 people and supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Its “end of runway” capabilities allow companies to ship goods for next-day delivery, making it an attractive location for businesses requiring fast and flexible shipping solutions.
The newly opened UPS Labport facility further builds upon Louisville’s competitive “end of runway” capabilities, specifically targeting life sciences and biotech companies. Collectively, life sciences companies HealthTrackRx, Medvantx, Zoetis, and UPS have invested more than $230 million in Labport facilities generating nearly 700 new jobs since 2022.
Marion, Ohio
www.marioncando.com
In 2025, Marion, Ohio is experiencing significant growth and innovation in its logistics sector, positioning itself as a key player in regional supply chain operations. Marion has embraced cutting-edge technologies to enhance logistics capabilities. EASE Logistics, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation’s DriveOhio initiative, has commenced deliveries using automated truck platooning technology along Interstate 70 between Columbus and Indianapolis. This initiative aims to improve fuel efficiency and safety in freight transportation.
Major logistics facilities have been developed in Marion in 2024. The Sika Corporation has inaugurated a 150,000-square-foot fully automated warehouse, serving as its central/east coast regional distribution hub. The Marion Industrial Center (MIC) continues to be a cornerstone of the local logistics landscape. Spanning two million square feet over 510 acres, MIC offers storage, distribution, light manufacturing, and intermodal services. Lastly, Ohio Logistics operates multiple facilities in the area, providing state-of-the-art warehousing and transportation services. Their offerings include public and contract warehousing, fulfillment, assembly, packaging, and inventory control.
Mobile, Alabama
www.mobilechamber.com
In the competitive world of American logistics, Mobile, Alabama is a rising star. While larger cities often dominate the headlines, Mobile has quietly positioned itself as one of the nation’s most strategic transportation hubs.
At the center is the Port of Mobile, Alabama’s only deep-water port, which moves everything from containers to bulk cargo. With more than $98 billion in annual economic impact, the port has seen significant recent expansions, increasing its capacity to handle super post-Panamax vessels. The Port of Mobile is now the deepest seaport in the Gulf, positioning Mobile to meet the growing demand for alternative Gulf Coast shipping routes.
What sets Mobile apart is its unmatched multimodal connectivity. Five Class 1 railroads converge here, providing efficient access to key Southeast and Midwest markets. Interstates 10 and 65 converge nearby, creating direct trucking corridors in all directions. This trifecta of maritime, rail and highway infrastructure creates supply chain solutions few regions can match.
Major employers like Austal USA are doubling down on Mobile, adding more than 1,000 new jobs and expanding capabilities with a new fabrication facility to build and transport submarine components.
Strategic investments continue to strengthen Mobile’s logistics footprint. The new intermodal container transfer facility enables seamless transitions between ship, rail and truck. Meanwhile, the Mobile Airport Authority is relocating passenger services to the Downtown Airport at Brookley, integrating air cargo into the logistics mix.
As companies seek resilient, diversified supply chains, Mobile offers a compelling, cost-effective alternative. Its Gulf Coast location provides easy access to Latin American, European, and Asian markets, while easing pressure on crowded East and West Coast ports.
Norfolk, Virginia
www.norfolkdevelopment.com
Norfolk, Virginia is a prime location for businesses in the Maritime, Transportation, and Logistics industries. Home to the Port of Virginia, the deepest harbor on the East Coast, there is a heavy concentration of companies involved in freight transportation arrangement, marine cargo handling, logistics consulting services, port and harbor operations, coastal and deep-sea freight transportation, supply chain management, and warehousing storage.
The Port of Virginia handled 3.3 million TEUs in 2023 and expanded its container terminals to accommodate the increased volume caused by a surge in international trade and consumer spending. Port-related activity is at an all-time high and local universities have responded to the demand for skilled workers by developing educational programs that produce graduates with the expertise needed in this sector.
Norfolk can reach 75% of the U.S. population within two-days’ drive and open sea in about 2.5 hours. Access to I-85 and I-95, along with access to CSX and Norfolk Southern’s intermodal rail services makes the city more reachable.
Located on 576 acres along the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers, Norfolk International Terminals is served by 14 super Post-Panamax class ship-to-store cranes. NIT has a total of 6,630 linear feet of berthing that is dredged to 50’ capable of handling the newest class of Ultra Large Container Vessels now calling the East Coast.
Portland, Oregon
www.portofportland.com
The Port of Portland is the port district responsible for overseeing Portland International Airport, general aviation, and marine activities in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area in the United States. The Port manages Foreign Trade Zone 45, which handled $475 million worth of goods in 2024. More than 700 jobs in active FTZ sites were created while five companies are currently benefitting from the FTZ in Port of Portland.
Recent developments there include Terminal 6, Oregon’s only international container terminal—resource for businesses in every part of the state that imports and exports products ranging from seafood and animal feed to building supplies. Governor Tina Kotek approved a $2.5 million Strategic Reserve Fund allocation and is recommending $20 million capital and $15 million dredging investments in the budget.
In early 2025, developments include: at the Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus at Terminal 2, the port confirmed in early 2025 new tenants (HUB Group, Daimler, Zaugg Timber Solutions); conducted infrastructure and site-readiness planning; and signed a lease with the University of Oregon Acoustics Lab.
At Gresham Vista Business Park, Grainger plans to open its new distribution facility in spring 2025, contributing to economic growth in East Multnomah County.
Tampa Bay, Florida
www.porttb.com
Port Tampa Bay provides significant efficiencies and supply chain cost savings to importers and exporters serving the rapidly growing Florida market from the state’s distribution hub—at the crossroad of the I-4 corridor (Tampa to Orlando) and the I-75 corridor. The recent expansion of container services with Asia and Central and South America via Port Tampa Bay, including the new Cartagena-Tampa ‘America Shuttle 2’ operated by Maersk, have been critical in serving Florida’s largest and fastest-growing market. Home to the State’s largest concentration of distribution centers, the Central Florida region has over 550 million square feet of DC space right in Port Tampa Bay’s backyard.
The port continues to see double-digit growth in containerized cargo, with more opportunities on the way with trade expansion in Latin America.
Beneficial cargo owners are seeing significant savings in their drayage and distribution costs as truckers make as many as 3 to 4 round trip deliveries per day from Port Tampa Bay to their distribution centers, which then serves the entire state. Customers also benefit from attractive northbound backhaul truck rates to extend their reach into markets throughout the Southeast and beyond.
Port Tampa Bay, along with container terminal operator Ports America, has accommodated the growth in Florida by staying ahead of the curve thanks to our terminal build-out program. Recent expansion includes a new expanded gate complex, 100 acres of paved storage and the recent delivery of three additional STS post-Panamax cranes, for a total of five. Construction is currently underway to add berth extension from 3,200 to 4,500 linear feet.
Southern Illinois
www.southernillinoisnow.org
Southern Illinois is a premier logistics hub, offering unparalleled advantages for businesses seeking efficient and cost-effective solutions. The region boasts a robust infrastructure including three interstate highways (I-57, I-64, and I-24), five Class I railroads, and is bordered by both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. This strategic R4 Advantage (rivers, rail, roads, and runways) combined with its central location ensures seamless connectivity for swift movement of goods, so companies get to customers faster at a fraction of the cost.
The region’s workforce is a key asset. Its education and training network, including Southern Illinois University Carbondale—a Research 1 institution, four community colleges, and numerous training partners ensure a skilled workforce and strong talent pipeline. Employer-specific training and recruitment programs are the norm in Southern Illinois through initiatives like the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy, Agronomy Innovation Center, and SIU’s Transportation Education Center housing its nationally ranked aviation and automotive programs.
Companies leveraging Southern Illinois’ logistics advantages include:
- Prysmian’s $63.8 million cable manufacturing facility expansion to meet growing renewable energy market demands,
- Aisin Illinois’ new 463,000-square-foot logistics center to create distribution efficiencies for its three Southern Illinois manufacturing facilities and reduce lead times for its automotive customers,
- Manner Polymers’ $54 million polymer compounding facility.
Long-standing companies like Continental Tire that have called Southern Illinois home continue to reap the benefits of the region’s centrally located logistics assets. Since 1974, the company grew its 32-acre, 47 employee facility to the largest Continental Tire facility in all North America sprawling 100 acres under roof and drawing 3800 employees from more than 150 zip codes.
Southwest Louisiana
www.ChooseSWLouisiana.org
Situated along the busy I-10 corridor just two hours from Houston, Southwest Louisiana is home to five ports (anchored by the deepwater Port of Lake Charles), three class 1 railroads, and commercial and industrial airports including Chennault International Airport which is an industrial airpark for leading companies in aircraft MRO, manufacturing, transportation and service industries.
Southwest Louisiana is a five-parish area composed of the following parishes (counties): Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis. As of 2023, the combined population of the five-parish area was 299,021.
This region has become the hub of the natural gas revolution with nine LNG facilities either in play or in the pipeline. The LNG (liquefied natural gas) export industry expects substantial growth over the next decade due to abundant domestic natural gas supplies and a growing foreign demand. Southwest Louisiana has and ideal export situation:
- A concentration of pipelines supplying cheap, abundant natural gas
- Existing infrastructure for energy production and transportation
- Deep-water shipping access, and shallow-draft inland waterways
- A skilled workforce trained to serve industrial needs
- A community that welcomes and embraces industrial growth.
LNG is so important to Southwest Louisiana that McNeese State University broke ground on its LNG Center for Excellence in May 2024. This $2.7million, 23,000 square-foot building is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2025. The Center will provide training opportunities on both the engineering and business side and other sectors of the industry such as research and development.
Vineland, New Jersey
www.vinelandcity.org
Vineland, New Jersey is located in the heart of the northeast corridor along Route 55 with a direct connection to the New Jersey Turnpike, and Interstates 95 and 295. These arteries put the city within a day’s drive of 40% of the U.S., population, and provide easy access to port facilities along the Delaware River.
Vineland offers a competitive business climate with per-acre land prices and labor costs generally lower than other northeast locations. Additionally, the city owned municipal utilities provide electric and water rates considerably below surrounding providers.
Vineland business operations have access to competitive rail service via national freight carriers, and freight. And passenger air service is just a short drive away at either Philadelphia or Atlantic City International airports. Additionally, the Millville Municipal Airport operates a Foreign-Trade Zone and offers both a 6,100-foot and 5,100-foot runway with the capacity to land a range of aircraft.
Vineland officials believe that investing in the city’s infrastructure is critical to continued growth. Ongoing improvements include a dedicated road repaving program, modernization of the city’s electric and water distribution systems, and development of the new 62-acre Vineland Industrial Park West.
Mayor Anthony Fanucci has pursued consistent growth by fostering strong collaborations with public and private sector entities throughout the region. One expansion currently underway is Slingshot Transportation Inc., which will soon move into a new 256,000-square-foot facility that includes office space, docks, cold storage coolers, a state-of-the-art- packing room, and a local transportation fleet.
According to company officials: “This strategically located facility is less than an hour’s drive from both the Port of Wilmington and Gloucester City Terminal, providing the opportunity to better manage our existing import business, as well as expand our customer base. The Vineland expansion will allow us to store produce at our facility rather than using outside vendors, leaving us with better control of our own products. It also gives us the ability to grow our sorting, regrading, and packaging services to a much larger market.”
Wilmington, North Carolina
www.wilmingtonnc.gov
The Greater Wilmington Region is bisected by East/West Interstate 40, which provides an expressway from the international, deep-water seaport in Wilmington to Southern California. Interstate 40 offers a connection to North/South Interstate 95 within one-hour drive. Interstate 73/74 connects the region with the Midwest and is within a 30-minute drive via Interstate 40. By locating in the region, companies enjoy excellent infrastructure; transportation access by highway, rail, seaport and air; superb quality of life; and a pro-business attitude second to none. The predominantly flat topography of this region—which often makes construction less complicated and much less expensive—gradually gives way to the gentle rise and fall that eventually becomes the state’s spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains.
From the mountains to the Coast – The Port of Wilmington is strategically located on the East Coast of the United States within 700 miles of more than 70% of the U.S. industrial base. Recent and ongoing improvements to nearby highway networks make surface transportation supporting the Port of Wilmington superior to neighboring ports. CSX provides intermodal rail service with best-in-class transit times, as well as daily service for boxcar, tanker and general cargo services.
The Port of Wilmington is one of the few Southern ports with readily available berths and storage areas for containers and cargo. Specifically, it offers terminal facilities serving container, bulk, breakbulk, and ro-ro operations, providing efficient, cost-effective access to the world’s import and export markets for business, industry, and consumers.
The Port of Wilmington has ample capacity to support today’s cargo volumes and continues to invest in the expansion of its facilities to meet projected growth in international trade. Investment behind the gates is driving economic development activity outside of them with companies like Amazon, General Electric, Maersk and others planting flags in the region.
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