The RAEDC was originally founded in 1980 as the Council of 100.

 
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Logistics


The Rockford region’s logistics infrastructure is a global asset! Rockford as part of the Chicagoland area, is recognized as a “best logistics site” for connectivity and costs of operations. Rockford’s transportation infrastructure assets include:

US Interstate System
The greater Rockford area contains four interstates: I-90, I-39, I-43 and I-88. Within a two hour truck drive, or less, there are connections with I-80, I-74, I-55, I-57, I-94 and I-65, providing coast-to-coast and international access.

Motor Freight Carriers
Over 40 service carriers and terminals can be found in the Rockford area. Companies include: ABF Freight Systems, C.H. Robinson Worldwide. Inc., Con-Way Central Express, Inc., Dayton Freight Lines, Inc., FedEx, G&D Transportation Inc., LandStar Inway Inc., Todd Transit Inc., UPS, USF Holland, Yellow Transportation, and many others

North American Rail System
Four classone railroads provide service to the Rockford area. They are the BNSF, UP, CN and CP. In addition the region is served by the short line, Illinois Railway. This presence insures coast-to-coast and international access. The UP has their largest intermodal facility south of Rockford, the Global III. The facility has excess capacity and is directly connected to west coast ports. Intermodal operations in the City of Chicago serve the East coast and are a short drayage distance away.

Air Service
Rockford enjoys great access to four International airports.

Chicago-Rockford International Airport (RFD) – RFD has direct domestic passenger service to Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and international service to Can Cun, MX. United Airlines provides connecting flights at Denver to locations throughout North and Central America and beyond. RFD was recently added to the list of the top 20 air cargo airports in North America. UPS, with its second largest US air operation, has two services located in Rockford, Parcel Sorting and Bulk Cargo. BAX Global (Schenker) and DHL (Airborne) also have air operations at RFD. Direct International service is possible and two shift, next-day service is guaranteed from a Rockford location.

Click here for an overview of the Chicago Rockford International Airport

O’Hare International Airport (O’Hare) – O’Hare, a tier one airport, is one of the world’s busiest airports and has direct flights to all major business cities in the world! Rockford is a short, one-hour drive after unboarding from a direct flight from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and other locations! Rockford’s proximity to O’Hare, O’Hare’s commercial connections and its rank as a top 16 air cargo airport world-wide allows for the use of multiple shipping companies and next day service.

Mitchell International Airport (Mitchell) – Approximately one-half an hour drive from Rockford. Mitchell offers less congestion and many direct connect flight options.

Midway Airport (Midway) – At approximately a two-hour drive, Midway offers additional options for flights with direct connect service.

Rockford, Illinois is part of the 3rd largest economic corridor in the United States! Less than 70 miles west of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, 25 miles north of the new Union Pacific intermodal hub, and home of the Chicago Rockford International Airport, the 18th largest air cargo airport in the nation, the Rockford Region provides easy access to virtually all markets with low transportation costs!

 

logistics Strengths

  • The region is strategically positioned with easy access to 3 interstate, 2 federal and 9 state highways to serve your business needs
  • Direct access to Midwest markets
  • The I-39 Logistics Corridor links to other corridors, including I-90/94, I-80, I-88 and I-74
  • The Rockford area is centrally located within 1-2 days travel by ground to other significant markets
  • The I-39 logistics corridor contains Global III, Union Pacific Railroad’s largest intermodal hub
  • Low cost of fully-improved industrial sites
  • The area has an expanding telecommunications infrastructure
  • Good labor availability, quality
  • Good management, labor relations
  • Large regional location activity

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