Industrial

ROSEMONT, ILL. – The goods distribution industry is in a state of controlled disruption, according to a mid-year update on North American ports and transportation published by Cushman & Wakefield’s ports/intermodal practice group. The report, titled Ship – Shore – To Your Front Door, outlines that sector’s ongoing transition and the resulting opportunities. Challenges and shifts, such as marine terminal closures, driver shortages, new ocean carrier alliances, Panama Canal issues and others have created an increasingly complex environment. Yet according to Cushman & Wakefield’s Kevin Turner, who leads the ports/intermodal practice group, across the supply chain there is light at the end of the tunnel. “Times are changing,” said Turner. “Stakeholders are charting a new way forward with automation, supply chain transparency, new port labor contracts, technological advances, congressional support and stabilizing fuel costs. Occupiers and landlords are positioning with logistics partners to increase delivery metrics, alleviating supply chain bottlenecks with scalable real estate solutions.” Inland Ports Inland ports are steaming ahead across the country. These logistics hubs combine containerized rail intermodal and trucking interchange with warehousing and distribution activity, offering virtually everything found at a seaport except for ships and salt water. The intermodal rail ramps — facilities to …