5 Reasons the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex  is a great place for Distribution, order fulfillment, and manufacturing

JDF Distribution, a Dallas-based 3PL, has put together this nifty PDF (opens in a new window) on the reasons Dallas is an excellent place to locate your distribution operations. The points are solid, and in this tough economy, wringing out every atom of efficiency from your supply chain is more important than ever.

Figuring out where you’ll distribute products from is a key part of that decision. Here’s the case for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex:

1. Dallas access to US markets by truck

   Central location. Dallas is about as centralized as you can get, in particular when you consider its relative distance from North America’s 4 major business centers (New York, LA, Mexico City, and Toronto). 98% of U.S. consumers can be reached in a couple days by truck from DFW.

2. Lower operating costs. Dallas warehouse space costs is inexpensive, and business costs are the lowest among major metropolitan areas. Tax rates are nearly 20% lower than the national average, and the weather is excellent.
3. Logistics infrastructure. Dallas boasts one of the country’s top transportation networks, with more than 600 carriers operating from DFW. Traffic congestion is minimal compared to other U.S. metro areas, and Alliance Field, the nation’s first master planned industrial airport. Also, 3 major rail lines and 8 intermodal hubs make Dallas a top intermodal transportation center.
4. Dallas gets it when it comes to import/export. Texas is the top exporting state in the U.S. and has easy access to the Mexican market. The I-35 NAFTA superhighway runs straight through Dallas/Fort Worth. Dallas is a major distribution point for goods that come through the Port of Houston.
5. Dallas continues to grow. The metro area itself is projected to grow from 5.2 million in 2000 to 7.9 million in 2030. It’s got access to hundreds of corporate headquarters or major corporate operations – names like Exxon, GTE, Nokia, JC Penney, Frito-Lay, and more.

All of these reasons apply to manufacturing and order fulfillment operations, as well.

Tags: Dalllas, DFW, supply chain operations, Texas, warehousing

Scott Stone is Cisco-Eagle's Advertising and E-business Manager. He is a 20-year veteran of the material handling industry. He publishes the award-winning Material Handling Tips & Information Newsletter and works on all aspects of the company's communications efforts. See Cisco-Eagle on Twitter