“Success in logistics isn’t just about geography,” says Raul Alfonso, executive vice president and chief commercial of cer for Port Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest and most cargo-diverse port. “It’s about vision, adaptability, and alignment with industry demand,” Alfonso maintains, adding that the primary assets needed to qualify a location as “logistics-friendly” include not only strategic geography, but also multimodal access, industrial infrastructure, labor availability, technology and ef ciency, and a favorable regulatory environment. Tampa Bay boasts all of these attributes and more, including proximity to the I-4 and I-75 corridors between Tampa and Orlando, and network connectivity between ocean, road, and rail networks. “In addition,” Alfonso says, “Florida prides itself on business-friendly policies and customs ef ciency, which help streamline supply chains.”
Port Tampa Bay is uniquely positioned to deliver a Florida-first, customer- focused supply chain solution.
RAUL ALFONSO Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Port Tampa Bay
But no matter what assets a location currently enjoys, Alfonso says, continuing investment is key to maintaining a premier position in the logistics marketplace. CONTINUING INVESTMENT Port Tampa Bay endeavors to do just that with proactive terminal expansion and infrastructure modernization. Recent expansion of Port Tampa Bay’s container yard to 100 acres, a new gate,
three more post-Panamax cranes, the recent purchase of two additional cranes, and the expansion of container berths from 3,200 to 4,500 linear feet combine to position Port Tampa Bay to stay ahead of the continued growth and supply chain demands of Florida. “Port Tampa Bay is uniquely positioned to deliver a Florida- rst, customer-focused supply chain solution,” Alfonso says. “The port’s proximity to Florida’s concentration of distribution centers allows for excellent truck capacity to reach other out-of-state markets, at costs that are 50% lower than southbound rates. The port also offers competitive northbound backhaul trucking rates that further extend our value proposition to cargo owners serving
LOGISTICS PROFILE MUST-HAVE’S While the “location, location, location” trifecta is well known, three additional elements can enhance logistics attractiveness, says Nada Sanders, professor of supply chain management: ACCESS. This includes a multimodal access environment, such as high- capacity roadways, rail links, deep-water ports, and air cargo hubs that provide reliable intermodal options. “Having physical transportation access is key,” she says. Also essential is proximity to markets. This means access to major population centers or manufacturing clusters to shorten lead times and reduce last-mile costs. This also includes access to routes and carriers to mitigate disruptions from weather, congestion, or geopolitical shocks. COST. “There are many aspects to this,” says Sanders. “One is a favorable regulatory and business environment. For example, this may be efficient border procedures, modern customs technology, adherence to international standards, favorable tax structure, and stable regulations and transparent governance to reduce compliance risk.” Cost also involves access to a skilled logistics workforce. This involves availability of experienced warehouse staff, drivers, freight forwarders, and supply chain professionals. Yet another factor is real estate and facility availability which impacts costs. RISK. “This means an environment that is low risk of natural hazards, such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or political instability,” Sanders says. Risks are also reduced from community support, such as local partnerships and public acceptance of freight activity. “A truly logistics-friendly region is one where these elements reinforce one another,” Sanders says, “where physical assets, regulatory conditions, talent, and technology converge to minimize total landed cost while maximizing speed, reliability, and adaptability for global supply chains.” Nada Sanders Northeastern University
the Southeast and beyond.” SPARKING GROWTH
Asked for the best advice he’d give to other regions aspiring to Tampa Bay’s stature in the logistics eld, Alfonso cites ve essential strategies: ♦ Invest ahead of the curve. Port Tampa Bay’s proactive terminal expansion and infrastructure modernization ensured capacity kept pace with population and cargo growth. ♦ Leverage regional synergies. The port’s partnerships with importers, exporters, and economic development corporations along the I-4 and I-75 corridors create a successful environment for smart development and optimized supply chains. ♦ Focus on customer efficiency. Cost- effective drayage, backhaul savings, and quick turnarounds are top priorities for shippers. Eliminate congestion and minimize transit friction to win loyalty.
40 Inbound Logistics • October 2025
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