Improving Business in the Wilmington Region
Wilmington Near-Port Model Showcases Supply Chain Advantages
August 12, 2024
Credit: NC State Ports Authority
Wilmington, N.C. – Recent trade flows to SANY America’s near-port warehouse and distribution facility highlight the advantages of utilizing the Port of Wilmington for import distribution solutions.
SANY America, the U.S. subsidiary of one of the largest heavy equipment manufacturers in the world, recently launched operations at Industrial Realty Group’s (IRG) facility two miles away from port gates.
Not only does IRG’s facility have the capabilities and infrastructure, including cranes and internal, direct rail service, required to support SANY America’s operations, but the Port of Wilmington’s service expertise across multiple cargo segments and extensive laydown and storage areas have enabled SANY to get products staged and ready for market faster.
“The Port of Wilmington has the ability to quickly move major import programs inland, including containerized (dry and refrigerated), out of gauge (OOG) and unique breakbulk and project cargo,” said Hans Bean, Chief Commercial Officer, North Carolina Ports. “Many customers enjoy the benefits of their shipments going out the gate the day of discharge or very soon after. The speed and near port proximity SANY America has tapped into is a significant differentiator.”
Wilmington’s near-port model benefits from the port’s industry-best gate turn times and ship-to-rail service. Truck drivers can get in and out of port gates in under 20 minutes for a single turn and under 30 minutes for a dual turn. Cargo requiring intermodal transit is immediately discharged off the vessel to on-dock rail without any dwell time.
“Our team’s demonstrated ability to efficiently support SANY’s cargo requirements has already delivered significant value and is indicative of the landside import distribution potential in Southeastern North Carolina,” said Brian Clark, Executive Director, North Carolina Ports.
There is increased demand for near-port sites that can support heavy industrial and heavy manufacturing companies and import distribution growth. There is land availability and industrial products less than five miles away from the Port of Wilmington to support this demand, as well as industrial parks and property sites throughout the region where import distribution warehousing is active and expansions are possible.
About North Carolina Ports
With deepwater port locations in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus an inland port in Charlotte and intermodal rail access through CSX’s Carolina Connector (CCX) in Rocky Mount, North Carolina Ports links consumers, business and industry to world markets. Our ports also serve as magnets to attract new business and industry to the State of North Carolina. Port activities contribute statewide to more than 87,700 jobs and $678 million each year in state and local tax revenues.