In this section:

REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES

FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

RECRUITMENT SUCCESS

TRADE CORRIDOR NETWORK

INDUSTRIES

Why Kansas City

Kansas City has several key components that make it an excellent hub for all transportation and logistics operations:

The largest rail center in the United States by tonnage with five of the Class 1 rail lines intersecting in the region (BNSF, CP, KCS, NS, UP).

With an extensive rail and highway infrastructure, Kansas City is an ideal location for intermodal activity and is home to four intermodal parks.

Located on the largest navigable inland waterway (MO/MS River system).

Located at the intersection of four of the nation’s major interstate highways (I-35, I-70, I-29, I-49) with 30% more interstate miles per capita than any other city in the nation.

A business friendly Foreign Trade Zone program that can activate space in under 45 days.

The Kansas City International Airport moves more air cargo each year than any air center in a six-state region. A new KCI single airport terminal opened in February 2023.

More on why Kansas City is ideal for manufacturing, warehouse, fulfillment and distribution operations.

KC Target Industries

eCommerce
In the last 5 years, the Kansas City area has successfully attracted eCommerce companies pledging to create more than 10,650 jobs, invest $1.9 billion and occupy 17.8 million square feet. The Kansas City region’s central location and available skilled workforce are key to a successful eCommerce strategy. Learn more.

Automotive
The Kansas City region is the number 2 auto industry trading hub in North America, according to the Brookings Institute, and employs more than 20,000 individuals in transportation manufacturing. The transportation manufacturing industry in Kansas City is valued at $19 billion and produces over 650,000 vehicles each year. In the last decade, the Kansas City region has seen significant economic investment from the automotive sector. Learn more.

Food & Beverage
More than 670 food and beverage companies call Kansas City home and it’s not hard to see why. Kansas City’s more than $125 billion food and beverage industry continues to thrive with proximity to agriculture markets, advanced logistics infrastructure and industry-specific talent. The food and beverage industry employees more than 25,500 people in the Kansas City region. Learn more.

Distribution
The Kansas City region has established itself as the leading center for trade and distribution within the central United States. Kansas City is experiencing one of the largest industrial booms in its history and is a center of choice for warehousing and distribution operations. Business has prospered due in large part to the region’s abundant, multi-modal transportation network. Learn more.

About KC SmartPort

KC SmartPort is a nonprofit economic development organization that works to attract freight-based companies, such as manufacturing, distribution and warehouses, to the 18-county, bi-state Kansas City region.

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