Atlanta and Dallas: two of the largest metropolitan areas in the south. Atlanta — an urban jungle with a reputation for innovation, business, and logistics — and Dallas — where the West begins and where major global companies thrive and people continue to flock — have several benefits for individuals, families, businesses, and more. But what else do these two major cities have in common? Great infrastructure and easy access to land, sea, and air.
The overall infrastructure of both Atlanta and Dallas make these locations two of the most logistics-friendly areas in the US. Both cities have access to large airports, seaports, and several major highways; however, as two of the top logistics hubs, you may be wondering which one of these geographical locations may be right for your warehousing and distribution needs. Well, you may be surprised to find the answer could be both. Depending on the size of your operations, there could be an incentive in having a distribution center in both cities. Or, if you are operating on a smaller scale, one city may be more tailored to your routes and consumer base. Let’s take a look at which logistics hub might be right for you!
ATLANTA, GA
Atlanta is the center of transportation for the southeast. The city is a focal point of an important network of interstate highways and rail lines. With CSX and Norfolk facilities and rail lines, Atlanta is served by two Class I railroads, four intermodal terminals, multiple classifications, and bulk rail yards with direct service to the Port of Savannah.
Atlanta is also one of just five cities in the U.S. that is served by three major interstate highways: I-20, I-75, and I-85. This roadway infrastructure allows 25% of the U.S. population to be reachable with a one-day truck drive, and more than 80% can be reached within two days.
Want even more reasons to consider Atlanta? Our previous blog, 5 Reasons Atlanta is a Top Metro City for Distribution Centers, lists even more ways the city of Atlanta might just be the perfect fit for you and your company's logistics needs.
DALLAS, TX
Dallas is an important intermodal hub offering a less congested and more efficient transfer point for imported goods. For those transporting their goods by rail, the Dallas area is served by three Class I railroads: BNSF Railway, Union Pacific (UP), and Kansas City Southern (KCS). As far as roadways go, there are several major highways nearby, such as I-20 (the primary east-west trucking corridor) and I-35 (the NAFTA Trade corridor).
In addition, there are a number of savvy business reasons to consider Dallas for your logistics hub, including lower taxes, ecommerce, fewer regulations, and more. Our blog, Top 10 Reasons Companies Choose Dallas As A Distribution Hub, dives into these reasons and more for you to consider.
In the end, there is no wrong answer. Either city (or even both!) can help grow your business and provide you with the ideal logistics hub. Like a number of companies, we have found benefits to working in both major cities! The Shippers Group operates 1 million square feet of warehouse space in Atlanta and nearly 2.8 million square feet in Dallas. To learn more about The Shippers Group’s 3rd Party Logistics Solutions in Atlanta or Dallas, or to request a quote, visit Contact Us.
The Shippers Group is a leading national third-party logistics company headquartered in Dallas, Texas providing supply chain support to brand leaders and market innovators in industries including food and consumer packaged goods. With food-grade multi-client and dedicated distribution facilities in the United States, The Shippers Group provides supply-chain solutions with outsourced warehousing, transportation, contract packaging, and e-commerce fulfillment services. Since 1901, The Shippers Group has relied on core values of integrity, innovation, excellence, and safety to grow customer relationships, focus on continuous improvement, and engage sustainable business practices that deliver results. More information is available at www.theshippersgroup.com.
