Supply chain issues are key to today’s global location decisions, but the logistics industry is faced with a host of issues that must be addressed, including a shortage of truck drivers and congestion at the nation’s ports.
In response to this, companies are choosing to locate their distribution centers in locations that enable them to minimize miles traveled and maximize access to a variety of modes and carriers. Consequently, rail-centric inland ports are playing a more prominent role. In fact, the volume of cargo carried by rail as part of an intermodal distribution system tripled from 3.1 million containers in 1980 to 12.8 million in 2013. And, according to the American Association of Railroads, intermodal traffic rose 9.9 percent in just the period from March 2013 to March 2014, representing the 52nd consecutive year-over-year monthly increase.
With the growth of e-commerce and “omnichanneling,” there’s also more emphasis on proximity to the end customer, whether that customer be in the U.S. or in China, a vastly growing consumer market. Companies need to keep these trends in mind when establishing production as well as distribution sites. And if a company does operate globally or is responsible for “e-tail” or is dependent on imports or exports — among a host of other scenarios — locating near an airport might make sense. Locating near or on airport lands presents many opportunities for growth, but a company must also be aware of the risks involved in such a move.

Gerri Gambale, Editor