
First, let’s define what a Port Authority is. In simple terms, a Port Authority is a landing facility for all goods purchased outside of the United States. These ports expand commerce through the purchase of global product. An inland port simply allows those products to pass through customs here in the State of Utah rather than a coastal port. https://www.joc.com/content/10-responsibilities-public-port-authority
So why Utah? Well, there is a reason why Utah is considered the “Crossroads of the West.” It’s geography and diverse economy has created a natural gateway to connect the western states to the rest of the country. With that said, the desire for a Port of Authority in the state of Utah makes perfect sense. But what will this mean for you as a small business owner? Well, in my opinion, it’s a win for a number of reasons.
LOGISTICAL HUB: A Port Authority will allow overseas goods to go through customs right in our own backyard This not only means that local business owners will have better oversight of their incoming shipments, it will also make Utah a more appealing destination for businesses in other states to establish roots.
JOBS, JOBS, JOBS – With Utah’s population expected to DOUBLE by 2050, the need for an increased volume of jobs will become evident. Not only does the Port Authority itself create jobs (some estimates as high as 4,200) the increased 3PL, Fulfillment, Logistics and infrastructure creation will be massive.
GLOBAL PRESENCE – I grew up here in Utah and I love this state. I truly believe it is one of the greatest places to live in the world (okay maybe i’m a little biased). This port would not only open up possibilities for us as an economy within the United States, it would open doors on a global scale. This means better sourcing, improved logistics and more. Basically, it’s a dream for any product based business.
So I started this blog post by asking “What does the Port Authority mean for Fulfillment in Utah?” The long and the short of it is… a lot. By the year 2026 the number of packages shipped in the US is expected to double from 50 million to over 100 million per day. The need for fulfillment is exploding. A Port Authority combined with many of the reasons cited above (i.e. stable economy, good geographical locale, etc.) would heavily increase the demand for fulfillment companies in Utah . For more information, visit https://www.utahinlandport.org/