Distribution & Logistics in Pittsburgh, PA
Wherever in the world you need to get your product, you can do it from here. Logistics and distribution companies in Pittsburgh, PA, have four key advantages: geography, talent, infrastructure and resources. In Pittsburgh, small businesses and corporations alike benefit from the region’s ideally situated logistics and distribution channels.
In Pittsburgh, the entire logistics process, from procurement to inventory management and point of sale, is streamlined. Cleveland, Ohio, Washington, D.C., New York City, Indianapolis and Philadelphia are all within a 400-mile radius. A world-class interstate highway system, inland port and domestic and international flights connect Pittsburgh to the world. Not to mention, Pittsburgh has a growing distribution and logistics management workforce, 26,000+ strong.
Our direct distribution efforts ensure that our products reach end consumers effectively. Meanwhile, our involvement in indirect distribution networks strengthens the overall infrastructure of the supply chain ecosystem. Read on to learn how distribution and logistics companies in Pittsburgh move quickly, safely and sustainably throughout the entire process, from warehouse to end user.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Pittsburgh region has significant logistical advantages. With an extensive road, rail, air and water system, this region serves as the inbound and outbound bridge between the East Coast and Midwest.
DISTRIBUTION & LOGISTICS TALENT
World-class talent makes the movement of goods from distribution centers and logistics companies in Pittsburgh seamless.
26,000+
total employment
22,800+
CDL truck/bus drivers
CDL programs are available throughout the region, including at:
- All-State Career School-Pittsburgh
- Beaver Truck Driving School
- Community College of Allegheny County
- Douglas Education Center
- Forbes Road Career & Technology Center
- Keystone Diesel
- Moore CDL Driving Academy
- New Castle School of Trades
- Penn Commercial Business/Technical School
- Rosedale Technical College
- Sage Truck Driving School at Central Westmoreland Career and Technical Center
Ecosystem Support
Allegheny County Airport Authority
The Allegheny County Airport Authority oversees and manages the Pittsburgh International Airport as well as the Allegheny County Airport. The authority invests in its employees, customers, airlines, and partners to drive innovation, regional growth, and prosperity in global aviation. The Pittsburgh International Airport is currently building a new $1.4B terminal engineered for the future and tailored for customer satisfaction. Committed to sustainability, from construction to operation, the new terminal will provide a seamless and efficient passenger experience.
Port of Pittsburgh
The Port of Pittsburgh is a river traffic region spanning twelve counties. It encompasses essentially all 200 miles of commercially navigable waterways in southwestern Pennsylvania, including the three major rivers: Allegheny, Monongahela and the Ohio. The Port of Pittsburgh has 17 locks and dams and supports over 200 river terminals and barge industry service suppliers. The port makes water transportation of goods to and from distribution centers in Pittsburgh, PA, seamless.
Rail Access
With over 1,300 miles of freight railway, Pittsburgh has a strong regional network of rail access, simplifying the fulfillment process for everything from raw materials to finished goods. The region has three Class 1 railroads (CSX, Norfolk Southern and Canadian National) and one intermodal terminal (Norfolk Southern).
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission keeps Southwestern Pennsylvania connected and moving forward. The commission helps counties, cities, municipalities and townships access approximately $39B in state and federal transportation and economic development funding through 2045.
Traffic Club of Pittsburgh
The Traffic Club of Pittsburgh is a membership-based organization. It arranges educational events, provides scholarships to college students, and convenes individuals and businesses in the transportation industry.
Transit Authorities
The Pittsburgh region is home to Pennsylvania’s second-largest public transit agency: Pittsburgh Regional Transit. Pittsburgh has both urban and rural transportation options, providing reliable transportation that meets the needs of residents.
DISTRIBUTION-RELATED COMPANIES
In Pittsburgh, we don’t just sit at the crossroads of the flow of goods. We manufacture most components that make reliable, efficient transportation (and distribution processes) possible, from robots and batteries to software and 3D-printed materials.
- Aurora: a company that makes self-driving technology for a broad set of vehicles. Their technology, called Aurora Driver, makes transportation safer, smarter, and easier to use.
- Bombardier: a transportation leader embracing innovating in its people movers, trains and planes. Their advanced technology harnesses big data, artificial intelligence and green technology.
- Hitachi Rail: a full-service provider of rail services and products.
- Pitt Ohio: a transportation and logistics provider committed to revolutionizing sustainable trucking. Pitt Ohio uses renewable energy at its terminals through its patented microgrid.
- Seegrid: a developer of autonomous mobile robots that automate material handling, making facilities safer and more productive
- Stack AV: an autonomous trucking startup focused on solving logistics and supply chain issues with its AI-powered technology
- Wabtec: a global provider of rail and industrial solutions that improve safety, efficiency and productivity. Notably, Wabtec created the first-ever all-electric freight locomotive, the FLXDrive.
Success Stories
Amazon
In the Pittsburgh region, e-commerce giant Amazon operates an order fulfillment center. Its supply chain network of two middle-mile and four last-mile delivery facilities and an air gateway and Locker+. The company’s cloud web hosting solution, Amazon Web Services (AWS), has an office in the South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
FedEx Ground
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, FedEx Ground, is a leader in cost-effective package ground shipping. A subsidiary of the FedEx Corporation, it offers dependable service to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Montgomery Lock and Dam
The Pittsburgh U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received more than $857M from President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to repair the Montgomery Locks in Beaver County. This project is Pennsylvania’s largest investment from the infrastructure law and the second largest in the nation. The project is expected to generate more than 28,000 construction jobs and 5,300 jobs annually after completion.
Pittsburgh International Airport
The Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) serves nearly 10 million passengers annually, with nonstop flights to more than 60 cities. This includes British Airways nonstop flights to London. FedEx, UPS and Amazon operate airfreight services at the airport. Additionally, they run major sorting and warehousing facilities in the region. PIT’s $1.4B Terminal Modernization Project will transform the airport and the guest experience upon expected opening in 2025.
Southern Beltway
The Southern Beltway is a new 13-mile section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike that opened in 2021. The new highway eases congestion on other major routes in the region. It also improves access to private, commercial and industrial sites under development near the Pittsburgh International Airport.
URBN
URBN is a portfolio of well-known global consumer brands like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People. They operate an 880,000 SF distribution center in Indiana County. This center serves as a major point of origin in URBN’s eastern U.S. pipeline between wholesalers and retail outlets for its brands.
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