ABSTRACT
This chapter raises awareness of the benefits of logistics clusters for logistics companies and companies that depend on logistics, namely manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Implications for company managers include considerations of site selection, globalization, and value-added activities. The chapter presents information on logistics clusters that may help improve regional and national public policy design and execution. Implications include support for cluster development, specifically in terms of zoning, connectivity and finance, regulations and taxes, and international trade. The logistics function encompasses activities such as transportation, warehousing, planning, and facilities location. Most of the literature related to logistics clusters is specific to ports or airports and does not address the logistics sector in general. Logistics clusters typically develop around two types of locations. The first is a terminal location where shipments are moved between modes of transportation, such as around ports, airport, rail hub, and intermodal yards. The second is a central location with good surface accessibility.
