SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JACKSONVILLE TRADE AND LOGISTICS
Growing pains
Region ’ s expansion may pose future challenges
Growth is positive , but it doesn ’ t come without challenges . As the Jacksonville , Fla ., area continues on an upward trajectory , both local and state leaders must consider how to best support future developments .
“ The biggest challenge the region faces as a whole is keeping up with the growth and opportunities while ensuring we grow at a sustainable rate ,” said Mike Noone , chief commercial officer at TOTE Group . “ This includes the development of new infrastructure , recruiting talent and preparing for new business opportunities in both the short and long term .”
Funding the infrastructure needed to support the supply chain is not a challenge specific to Jacksonville , but a nationwide concern that has become a major talking point for President Joe Biden . Following the COVID-19 pandemic , the Biden administration announced a plan to overhaul the nation ’ s infrastructure .
In November 2021 , Congress approved a bipartisan infrastructure law , the largest federal infrastructure investment in decades . In November 2023 , President Biden announced an investment of more than $ 653 million in the nation ’ s ports .
JAXUSA President Aundra Wallace pointed specifically to a gap in utility infrastructure nationwide , which industrial commercial spaces rely heavily on .
“ For example , transformers across the country are difficult to ascertain ,” Wallace said . “ We ’ re no different than any other region in being hindered by this utility infrastructure gap . The challenge needs to be resolved nationwide to help us and other regional economies ’ continued growth .”
Fortunately , he noted , addressing these needs are among the Jacksonville region ’ s five-year strategic plan , which includes four goals : talent development , business growth , elevating quality of place projects and prioritizing the development of infrastructure networks .
Beyond infrastructure , fostering talent is paramount for Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano . As companies continue to grow , he noted the importance of staying in touch with your employees ’ needs . Business leaders should ask themselves how these can remain top of mind while their companies are growing at a rapid pace .
Shift your thinking
DON ’ T BE BOXED in by old clichés , such as “ think outside the box ” — choose a partner that takes a different approach , one that pairs a culture of service with access to a network of partners and assets to ‘ make it happen ’ for customer cargo . Throw traditional thinking out the window and consider a new supply chain route with a single-source partner that actually gives a ship .
Our approach Trailer Bridge believes it ’ s not just business , it ’ s personal . When you trust Trailer Bridge to move your freight , you are inviting the team to be a part of the success of your business , and that is a task we do not take lightly .
This is why Trailer Bridge makes it our number-one priority to provide exceptional customer service , ensuring each load is handled with care .
Here ’ s what this looks like for customers : A single point of contact from booking to delivery , and access to a large network of assets and partners delivering a solution from origin to destination .
Our people Trailer Bridge ’ s team of logistics experts and global partners stand ready to support the movement of your cargo . The company hires the industry ’ s best to ensure you have access to the expertise needed to handle any freight challenge and invest in continued training to keep employees at the top of their game .
Our technology Trailer Bridge partners with Mastery Logistics Systems to provide visibility into your freight ’ s journey , no matter its place in the supply chain . Trailer Bridge ’ s new cloud-based TMS platform , Mastermind™ , is a first-of-its-kind system harnessing the power of people and technology .
Learn more at trailerbridge . com / shift-your-thinking /.
Let us explain Trailer Bridge pairs our own assets with those of its industry-leading partners to provide customers a competitively priced and reliable end-to-end logistics solution . Whether you are looking for an intermodal move or global freight forwarding , less-than-load shipping , or cross-border solutions , Trailer Bridge is here to serve you .
28 Journal of Commerce | April 22 , 2024 www . joc . com