March 2006
Kansas City SmartPort E-News

KC's Logistics Assets Provide Viable Alternative

As global trade expands and supply chains become longer and more complex, international transportation is steadily moving up the corporate agenda. KC SmartPort attended the second International Transportation Management (ITM) Conference and Exhibition in Houston, Texas, this week that addressed the logistics industry’s concerns surrounding this trend. The Kansas City region was recognized several times for its foresight, leadership and ability to provide alternatives and solutions to growing global trade and supply chain issues.

To learn more about the two-day event, please visit ITM.

KC, Laredo Discuss Mexican Customs Facilities

KC SmartPort President Chris Gutierrez was invited to Laredo’s Vision 2006 Economic Outlook Conference to discuss the proposed Mexican Customs facility in Kansas City. In Gutierrez’s presentation he will describe the benefits that the Kansas City facility will provide the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo business communities focusing on how it will complement their current facility. He will also communicate the Kansas City facility’s purpose in providing efficient alternatives for Midwest shippers. To learn more about the March 2 conference, please click here.

Kansas, Missouri Set New Export Records

Kansas and Missouri set new records for their export sales in 2005. The sunflower state increased its export sales by 27 percent reaching an all-time high of $6.7 billion. The show-me state also set a new record exceeding its 2004 record of $9 billion by a 16 percent increase in sales at $10.5 billion this past year.

Industry Focus: Air Cargo at KCI

Kansas City International Airport passenger combination carriers and all-cargo carriers processed 2.3 million pounds of air freight in 2005. This figure represents a 3.9 percent decrease in tonnages from 2004, which processed 2.4 million pounds.

The Kansas City International Airport is the largest air cargo facility in a six-state region. It provides a three-runway airfield system that can handle up to 139 aircraft operations per hour. It also offers un-congested air and ground space, few delays, no noise restrictions, short taxi time, an expansive cargo-handling infrastructure, onsite Foreign Trade Zone space, and Enterprise Zone tax initiatives.

To learn more, please visit Kansas City Aviation Department. 

Investor Profile: Paris Brothers, Inc.

Founded in 1983, Paris Brothers remains a family-owned business dedicated to the foodservice industry. By focusing on collaborative opportunities, its business and technical services have expanded to help customers design and implement a complete supply chain management plan. Personalized warehousing and inventory solutions include climate controlled storage and dock areas; dry storage, multi-temperature cooler space and freezer storage; pick and pack, shrink wrapping, and pallet services; and 24/7 security. Through its sister company, Ground Freight Expeditors (GFE), the company is able to offer unparalleled logistical services with hundreds of trucks and commercial and cargo aircrafts. Representatives analyze and track shipments, providing customer support from start to finish.

In its latest offering, Paris Brothers has added an inland coffee warehouse to its facilities. This addition increases total warehouse capacity to more than 800,000 sq. ft.

For more information, please visit our websites: Paris Brothers, Inc. and GFE.