The distribution industry is truly the glue that holds the supply and demand chain together. Companies depend upon strong, reliable distribution systems to meet their business needs. But what do distribution companies depend upon to help their businesses thrive?
They need a location that can provide a dependable transportation network, cost-efficient and available labor, accessible real estate and market attainability. All these factors can be found in Jacksonville an ideal choice to help your distribution company deliver.
Why Jacksonville?
Jacksonville, Florida has a comprehensive transportation network that offers companies a considerable competitive advantage. The Northeast Florida area ranks in the top 10 percent of all U.S. cities in terms of roadway infrastructure, railroad access and port capabilities, and ranks in the top 20 percent of all cities in terms of air transportation.
The region has three major interstates (I-95, I-10 and I-75), three major railways (CSX, Norfolk Southern and Florida East Coast), and offers air transportation through the Jacksonville International Airport and six other regional airports. The area also boasts one of the largest deep-water port systems in the South Atlantic, with four major port terminals (Jacksonville Port Authority’s Blount Island, Dames Point and Talleyrand Terminals, and the Port of Fernandina).
Jacksonville has a construction cost index lower than many competing markets, as well as ample real estate inventory and vacancies. In addition, the city was ranked the second “most logistic-friendly” out of 328 cities, making Jacksonville a resource to meet the demands of the industry.
The swell in East Coast containerized cargo and increased trade from the Asia Pacific Region have turned the tide in Jacksonville. Recent developments at the Jacksonville Port Authority include a $200 million investment by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to bring direct containership service between Jacksonville and Asia. The MOL deal represents the largest single contract in JAXPORT’s history, in terms of both revenue and container quantity. Jacksonville is the first East Coast location to be selected for a terminal owned and operated by MOL, a major shipping line and logistics company based in Tokyo.
Workforce
Distribution is a major component in the Jacksonville region and continues to experience healthy growth. There is a substantial workforce in the trade and transport/utilities industries, as well as competitive wage costs.
Jacksonville also offers a large population and skilled workforce. That skilled workforce increases annually because of the number of exiting military personnel within the region. FCCJ industry training programs also assist in growing this segment of the workforce.
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Logistics Companies in Jacksonville
(this list is non-comprehensive)
- Acosta Sales and Marketing
- BJ's Wholesale Club Distribution Center
- BMW
- CSX Corporation
- Landstar
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Suddath International
- TNT Logistics
- Wal-Mart Distribution Center
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