Transportation Hub to the World

San Joaquin County is arguably the most geographically advantaged region in California for distribution of goods. With a sophisticated transportation network comprising a deep water port, major interstate highways, air service, and rail, this centrally-located hub in the Greater Silicon Valley keeps the economy moving.

The Port of Stockton has been linking San Joaquin County to the global economy for 80 years. The fully-operating port spans 2,000 acres and features over 7.5-million square feet of warehousing, and two transcontinental and loop railroads, including one on-dock facility to accommodate unit trains. Berthing for 17 vessels is available and ships up to 900 feet long can navigate the Stockton Deepwater Ship Channel. Furthering the Port of Stockton's influence as a major point of distribution of imports and exports is its distinction in the M-580 Marine Highway Corridor project. Supported by a $30-million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Marine Highway provides an efficient, waterborne alternative to moving industrial-scale container shipments. Moving goods along the Marine Highway is an ecologically sustainable way to improve air quality by reducing highway congestion. Short sea shipping can eliminate more than 1-million truck trips from roadways. The Port continues to collaborate with the Ports of Oakland and West Sacramento on this landmark endeavor that is revolutionizing the movement of domestic and foreign freight and cargo in and out of Northern California.

The major highway system that intersects San Joaquin County naturally supports product distribution regionally and nationwide. Highway 99 and Interstate 5 are the two main arteries that connect San Joaquin County businesses with millions of consumers. This ideal highway infrastructure positions San Joaquin County as a cost-effective location for large companies interested in operating West Coast distribution centers. Interstates 580 and 205 provide direct access to the Bay Area and connections to I-5 and Highway 99.

Rail is a critical link to the full-service transportation network that is uniquely available in San Joaquin County. Significant rail expansion projects are further distinguishing the County as a premier location for logistics operations. In Stockton, Burlington Northern Santa Fe operates an inter-modal rail facility on 425 acres. The facility is a major network hub between Northern California and the Midwest. Union Pacific operates a 109-acre inter-modal rail facility in Lathrop and recently completed an EIR to expand the facility to meet domestic cargo demand. At build-out, the $248 million project will triple the facility's capacity to meet goods movement needs, improve the region's economic competitiveness, result in environmental benefits and create jobs.

Stockton Metropolitan Airport is an economical logistics hub for cargo transport. Warehousing, cold storage facilities, convenient and ample inter-modal connections, low-cost landing fees, and a central location make air transport a practical consideration in San Joaquin County. The airport also serves commercial and private passenger aircraft.

Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) is a convenient commuting alternative for San Joaquin County residents. The regional public transportation system is specifically designed to accommodate the weekday transportation needs of commuters to the East Bay and downtown San Jose. ACE operates four round-trips trains, Monday - Friday, from Stockton to San Jose. In celebration of its 15th anniversary in 2013, ACE is implementing Commitment 15. The program includes various service enhancements to improve the commuter experience over the next 15 years. Among the improvements are upgraded on board GPS tracking equipment that will allow passengers to monitor train location, speed and estimated time of arrival direct from their smart phone or the ACE website; the addition of two round-trips to the schedule; and expanded WiFi service to more trains. The biggest enhancement, however, will be in infrastructure improvements associated with California's High Speed Rail project. "ACE is in the planning and environmental stages of major improvements to the Altamont Corridor. These improvements will allow for the train to go faster in certain areas of the route, which means the overall runtime of the train will be shorter," said Thomas Reeves, manager of public affairs and community relations for Altamont Corridor Express. Reeves expects construction and ground improvements to begin in 2015.