Evaluation of Logistics Led Economic Development

015920432016Final ReportHutchinson, EdPDFTech ReportBDV25 977-04LogisticsFreight trafficLocationEconomic developmentEvaluationCase studiesLogistics activity centers (LAC)Economic developmentFreight mobilitySite selectionLogistics investment success factorsFreight TransportationPlanning and ForecastingI72: Traffic and Transport PlanningUnited StatesFloridaFlorida. Dept. of TransportationOzkul, SeckinPinjari, Abdul R.Davis, DonnaSeggerman, Karen E.Menon, NikhilChen, QiongUniversity of South Florida. Center for Urban Transportation ResearchFlorida. Dept. of Transportation. Research CenterUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionFreight mobility, trade and logistics are essential elements of Florida\u2019s economic success; not only for fulfilling the growing high demand for goods, commodities, and services in Florida, but also for driving the state\u2019s economic development and competitiveness. Its importance as a driving force for maintaining and creating jobs and fueling economic development has increasingly been recognized by various local, state, and federal transportation programs in the United States. Despite state, regional, and national level efforts to foster logistics led economic development, there has not been much insight on the factors that define the success and failure of these investments. This research aimed at bridging this gap by examining the success and deterrence factors of logistics activity centers (LACs) using multiple methods of research, including an extensive review of literature and a case study analysis through site visits of selected LACs. A list of factors, which could influence the potential success or failure of LACs, was determined based on an extensive literature review. These were divided into five major categories and then applied to LACs identified in the literature. To validate these success factors and derive more nuanced insights, case studies were performed, including site visits and interviews of select LACs throughout the United States. Additionally, a nationwide survey was conducted throughout all 50 U.S. states to collect information regarding targeted freight and logistics investments and initiatives within the past several years, and their economic benefits. The compilation of success and deterrence factors obtained through the literature review and LAC site visits/interviews in the United States were found to closely match. These factors, highlighted in this report, could help LACs, government entities, and businesses in their freight and logistics decision-making processes, particularly with respect to LAC investments.75