GLDPartners is working with Cambridge Systematics and Utah Governor Herbert’s Inland Port Exploratory Committee to evaluate the practical opportunity for development of an inland port. This work will include an evaluation of logistics flows and infrastructure, investment competitiveness for pure logistics activity and export-oriented manufacturing, governance options and potential project financial characteristics. We’re quite excited about this project as Utah is in an enviable geographic position, with good infrastructure connectivity and because the state typically fares well in our corporate competitiveness modelling.
More generally, we see inland port projects emerging as increasingly critical assets supporting seaport efficiency, environmental stewardship and economic development. Acknowledging evolving market requirements by shippers, well-sited inland ports are supporting streamlined logistics flows and corporate supply chains, while in some cases dramatically improving competitiveness for attracting new investment. As well, though the standard inland port model is defined by the seaport-to-rail-to-inland port model, we’re typically working on projects with extensive seaport, rail, road and air connectivity.
A story by Bronson Teichert was aired on Utah Public Radio yesterday on this topic.
Listen: Study Underway for Utah Inland Port: Utah Public Radio
Read: Governor Herbert has created an exploratory committee to research the feasibility of an inland port for the state of Utah. Inland ports are designated sites with strong transportation infrastructure and distribution operations.
Suzette Alles is the International Business Development Specialist for World Trade Center Utah. She said land-locked states such as Utah use inland ports much like traditional coastal ports, providing services, including customs clearance, to speed the process of inland international trade.
Alles said Utah can be a bigger player in the global economy and an inland port may be the answer to expose Utah to worldwide markets.
“Recently, the state contracted with Cambridge Systematics and GLDPartners to undertake a feasibility study,” Alles said. “The consultants undertaking this study are diving deep into the research and data, looking at markets specifically for logistics movements and our competitiveness for logistics operations—additionally, they will consider key factors such as the timing. Is this a good time for Utah to have an inland port? And if it is, how does a more efficient logistics system make Utah more competitive for investment?”
Alles said an inland port could benefit Utah’s economy, but the committee also wants to know if the economic benefits match or outweigh the possible environmental impacts.
“We are talking about creating a more efficient supply chain, which means less movement of cargo between logistics hubs,” Alles said. “We want to reduce the number of trucks as much as possible and use more rail, which is more attractive for the environment. The environment is always a top priority, so we will look at future clean technologies, smart corridors, zero emissions. The freight industry in general is moving toward more efficiencies and exploring new technologies that would offset environmental impacts.”
Alles and other members of the committee will be touring inland ports in Greer, South Carolina and Cordele, Georgia this fall. The main purpose of the tour will be to learn more about how inland ports function and other specifics like business models.
“We have far exceeded our expectations, which is an indicator that is certainly a piece of infrastructure that was critical to the growth of that market segment,” said Jack Ellenberg, Inland Port Greer’s Senior Vice President for Strategic Projects.
Ellenberg said the biggest challenge the port faces, is keeping up with all the new business.
