What is an inland port?
An inland port serves as a massive distribution point for domestic and international goods that arrive in shipping containers. Dallas County's inland port is a cluster of industrial parks near the convergence of four major highways, a massive railroad facility and Lancaster Airport, which will be expanded to handle air cargo.
How does it work?
An inland port uses different modes of transportation to move goods that are exempted from taxes. Shipping containers are loaded onto freight trains at Union Pacific's 360-acre rail facility and transported across the nation. Goods arrive by train from California and are distributed to cities in the central and eastern United States. Goods also arrive and depart on trucks via four major highways (Interstate 35, I-45, I-20 and the proposed Loop 9). Companies build or lease space in warehouses and distribution centers in the port so their goods can be quickly delivered across the country.
What is a foreign trade zone?
Foreign trade zones, a key component to inland ports, act as an incentive for businesses because foreign goods are not taxed or subject to customs tariffs while they're waiting to be shipped. Trade-zone status is available to developments involved in international trade activity. For companies to reap the tax benefits of a foreign trade zone, all affected taxing entities such as cities and school districts must grant approval.
Where is Dallas County's inland port?
The International Inland Port of Dallas, as the city of Dallas has called it, covers 234,000 acres but is located primarily within four cities: Dallas, Lancaster, Wilmer and Hutchins. The Allen Group, the port's main developer, controls about 6,000 acres roughly between Union Pacific's facility and a future Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail facility to the west. Allen's development is called the Dallas Logistics Hub.
Who operates the inland port?
There is no organization or authority that oversees Dallas County's inland port. Each city regulates port-related development within its borders.
How long will it take to be completed?
Most of the inland port is vacant farmland and is expected to take up to 40 years to fully develop. Local officials estimate the development will create 60,000 jobs and add at least $2.5 billion to the tax rolls over that time.
What are the inland port's biggest challenges?
The single biggest challenge is lack of adequate infrastructure, such as roads and water and sewer lines. The question is who will pay for the basic utilities and infrastructure needed to support all the planned development.
