New directory shows Indiana ranks in top 10 for 100 freight logistics categories INDIANAPOLIS - The Ports of Indiana has just released the 2017 Indiana Logistics Directory, an annual publication that highlights Indiana's robust transportation infrastructure and freight logistics services. The Directory reports that Indiana ranks among the top five states in 27 logistics-related categories and in the top 10 in 100. Published by the Ports of Indiana, it highlights Indiana's extensive cargo-handling resources as well as national logistics rankings, multimodal maps and critical freight statistics. Here are a few facts from the 2017 Indiana Logistics Directory:
  • Indiana ranks first in pass-through interstates and rail shipments of primary metals, and is home to the nation's largest producer of truck trailers.
  • The Hoosier state is also home to the median center of the U.S. population, boasts the second largest FedEx Express hub in the world and has the country's second largest barge fleet operator.
  • Indiana ranks third in both freight railroads and truck tractor registrations, and 11th in total waterborne shipping.
"The Logistics Directory tells the important story of Indiana's robust transportation infrastructure which provides major logistical advantages for all modes of transportation and serves as the backbone of our economy," said Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper. "Our state is well-known for its central location and vast land-based transportation resources, but it also has significant maritime resources. Even with only 43 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan, Indiana accounts for 40 percent of the U.S. economic activity related to Great Lakes shipping and ranks first in maritime employment on the Great Lakes. While also connected to the Ohio River, Indiana ranks sixth in domestic waterborne shipping and is home to the nation's sixth largest inland port district in Mount Vernon." A key feature of the Directory is a section of transportation maps for North America and Indiana that shows major highways, railroads, ports and airports. In addition to rankings for 100 logistics categories, the publication has nearly 1,000 business listings as well as logistics data for freight traffic, employment, NAFTA trade and all transportation modes. It has become a go-to resource for media, government, educators and economic development officials in search of logistics data. The 2017 Directory may be viewed online at indianalogistics.com