Why Logistics & Distribution in the Southeast is gaining ground

The Southeast is no longer just a regional option for supply chains, it’s fast becoming a national logistics hub. Across Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida, major brands and 3PLs are doubling down, building new capacity and positioning the region as a critical fulcrum of U.S. distribution.

Why the Southeast is gaining ground

Several structural advantages are fueling the shift:

• Port access and connectivity: The Port of Savannah now handles over 11 % of loaded international containers in the U.S. Nearby, Charleston and Jacksonville offer powerful alternative gateways, creating flexibility and resilience across supply routes.
• Cost efficiencies: Industrial land and rental rates tend to be more favorable in the Southeast than in traditional hubs like Southern California or the Northeast. Add in lower state taxes and energy costs, and the business case strengthens.
• Demand proximity: Metropolitan regions like Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Charlotte are growth engines, driving demand for faster shipping windows and regional fulfillment.

Infrastructure bottlenecks & labor intensification

That said, growing pains are real. Freight volumes have put pressure on highways including I-75 and I-95. Industrial real estate near ports and interchanges is increasingly scarce, pushing developers to build further out or retrofit older assets.

Meanwhile, competition for skilled labor, from warehouse supervisors and operations leads to supply chain planners, is stiff. Employers are facing a narrowing pool of candidates who understand both operations and the regional logistics landscape.

Real-world moves: Who’s expanding in the Southeast

Here are real examples of companies that have recently invested in logistics assets across the Southeast:

• Armstrong Logistics - This California-based logistics firm signed a lease for a 733,000 sq ft warehouse at the Georgia International Trade Center (near Savannah), marking a major east-coast expansion. 
• IDS Fulfillment - This 3PL recently opened a 215,822 sq ft facility in Newnan, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta), reinforcing its Southeast footprint. 
• Weber Logistics - Previously West Coast–centric, Weber has expanded operations into Atlanta as part of its national growth strategy. 
• Sam’s Club (Walmart) - The company announced a $142 million fulfillment center in Douglas County, Georgia, to better service Southeast markets. 

These firms represent only a portion of the trend, but their publicly confirmed expansions lend weight to the idea that the Southeast is more than a passing flash, it’s being built into a logistics backbone.

Why Regional Expertise Matters

The Southeast’s logistics landscape may be booming, but its complexity demands local knowledge and leadership experience. Here’s why regional expertise has become a critical success factor:

1. Distinct infrastructure dynamics - Each state has its own mix of port systems, rail networks, and interstate corridors. Leaders who understand these nuances can design supply chains that minimize bottlenecks and maximize cost efficiency.

2. Local labor market insight - Workforce dynamics vary dramatically from Savannah to Birmingham. Knowing where to find skilled labor, and how to attract and retain it, can make or break a new facility’s performance.

3. Regulatory and incentive familiarity - States like Georgia and South Carolina offer aggressive logistics and manufacturing incentives, but navigating them effectively requires hands-on regional experience.

4. Cultural and Community Relationships - Building trust with local economic development groups, logistics councils, and workforce boards is essential for long-term success.

In short, while logistics strategies can be planned nationally, they succeed locally. The most effective leaders bring not only technical expertise but also an intuitive grasp of how the Southeast operates - from port partnerships to county-level permitting.

Critical skills in demand

Candidates who stand out often bring expertise in:

• Site selection & logistics network design - Evaluating trade-offs (proximity, transportation cost, land availability)
• 3PL/vendor partnership management - Negotiating contracts, service-level agreements, and collaborative planning
• Scalable workforce strategy - Building systems that accommodate peak volume swings without eroding margins

Because many logistics executives have historically focused on Midwest or coastal hubs, having regional fluency in Southeast transportation patterns, port operations, labor markets, and local incentives is an excellent competitive differentiator.

Why Cast USA Adds Value

At Cast USA, we’re watching this evolution up close. The surge of logistics investment across the Southeast has sparked exceptional demand for mid- and senior-level supply chain professionals. We specialize in matching high-performing talent with companies operating in or entering this region.

If your business is expanding its logistics footprint in the Southeast, or you’re a seasoned supply chain leader exploring new opportunities in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, or Florida

Get in touch