January 2007

Kansas City SmartPort E-News

Fast Fact

In 2001, the Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone Inc., processed $363 million of merchandise. In 2006, that number exceeded $850 million.

KC No. 5 in Annual Logistics Ranking

Logistics Today released its sixth annual logistics quotient. It ranks the top 50 logistics-friendly metros in the United States. Out of more than 370 metros evaluated, Kansas City ranked No. 5, moving it up four spots from No. 9 last year.

Diversifying Freight with KC Corridors

Kansas City is a key intersection for moving freight across North America. Several rail corridors serve the metro:

   Pacific Northwest to KC via BNSF
   L.A./Long Beach to KC via BNSF and Union Pacific
   Lazaro Cardenas to KC via Kansas City Southern (KCS)
   Houston to KC via several carriers
   New Orleans to KC via several carriers

With increasing pressures affecting global supply chains, these routes provide an attractive alternative. They not only increase security and provide a back-up but can save time and money as well. Several companies find it reassuring to understand these routes. Others have located distribution centers in the area to take advantage of KC’s location.

To view these corridors please visit SmartPort's continental corridor map.

Foreign Trade Zones Offer Cost Savings

U.S. customs duties and fees are often a small number on a shipping manifest or a supplier’s invoice. However, these small numbers add significantly to the cost of goods eventually purchased by U.S. consumers.

For this reason, more companies are taking advantage of available foreign trade zone (FTZ) space. Imported goods admitted to FTZs pay no duties until they leave. When value-added work is performed, duties may be reduced or totally eliminated.

Kansas City offers more FTZ space than any other place in the nation and handles a greater volume of imports than any other metro area in the greater Midwest.

For more information visit Foreign Trade Zone.

International Transportation Management Conference

The second International Transportation Management (ITM) Conference and Exhibition will take place Jan. 29 and 30. It will showcase the latest technical and operational issues and solutions for the freight transportation industry. The conference will provide education and networking for service providers, shippers, manufacturers, logistics professionals, intermediaries and anyone who is interested in international movement of freight. Prominent experts from the Kansas City area will be attending and speaking at this event.

SmartPort Partner Profile: Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) helps supply chain managers connect, collaborate and share best practices. It also serves as an educational source for the industry. The Kansas City chapter is called the Heartland Roundtable, which provides monthly events to educate supply chain professionals about trends in the market as well as becoming acquainted with area supply chain facilities.