Houston's Position as a Global Logistics Hub

Published May 30, 2023 by Taylor Tatum

In 2022, the Houston/Galveston Customs District ranked number one in the country in total trade value as companies from across the U.S. and around the world chose Houston as the gateway to the Americas and the world.

Houston boasts a central geographic location and numerous logistical and distribution channels, making it an ideal hub for companies with global distribution needs and access to the central United States and Latin America.

The region’s position as a global logistics hub is bolstered by its exceptional transportation infrastructure. Houston boasts one of the largest multi-airport systems in North America with two international airports, and the Port of Houston, one of the busiest ports in the world along with 3 Class I railways. This infrastructure enables companies to transport goods quickly and efficiently, reducing transportation costs and improving supply chain management.

Houston is continuously investing in infrastructure improvements. The Houston Ship Channel, the nation's busiest waterway, now sees more vessel traffic than the next three largest U.S. ports combined. The first phase of a $1 billion expansion project to widen and deepen the ship channel has been completed, providing greater capacity and efficiency for the port.

Houston's extensive highway network also connects the city to major markets in the U.S. and Mexico, with access to half of U.S. population within a 1,000-mile radius.

The region's logistics advantages have cemented Houston's status as a premier location for business expansion. An example is TGS Cedar Port, located in Baytown. This is the country's largest master-planned rail-and-barge-served industrial park. Retail giants such as Walmart, Floor & Décor, and Home Depot have significant distribution and fulfillment centers in the park.

Houston’s central location, diverse population, and world-class transportation infrastructure position Houston as the top logistics hub in the United States. For more information about expanding in the Houston region, click here.

This article was originally published in the May/June issue of Business Facilities, where Houston was selected as a Business Facilities Top Logistics Hub, click here for the article beginning on page 24.