A massive public-private logistics center, equivalent to 14 soccer fields, has officially begun operations in the United States. This facility is expected to boost domestic companies' efforts to enter the overseas logistics market, with the capability to deliver across the country within two days.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on September 2 that the Elwood Logistics Center, located near Chicago, Illinois, was constructed through a joint investment by South Korean logistics company CJ Logistics and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC). The center spans 295,000 square meters with a total floor area of 103,000 square meters, featuring 130 docks for large truck loading and unloading.
Elwood's excellent accessibility and strategic location are highlighted as key advantages. The facility is situated approximately 72 kilometers southwest of downtown Chicago and is just 5.5 kilometers from the largest logistics hub in the U.S. (CIC), allowing for nationwide deliveries within two days via rail and road networks.
Since 2011, the Ministry has supported overseas logistics market expansion by selecting 5 to 10 companies annually, providing up to 200 million won for feasibility studies. The investment in this logistics center was made possible by funding received for a feasibility study in 2022.
Additionally, the Ministry is implementing policies to enhance supply chain stability. It has established a 1 trillion won global logistics supply chain investment fund to assist South Korean logistics companies in acquiring overseas logistics assets. The Ministry plans to secure 40 public-private logistics centers by 2030.
Logistics centers jointly invested by public institutions will be designated as overseas joint logistics centers through the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), enabling South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises to utilize them at lower costs.
Kim Hye-jung, Director of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "We expect this project to enhance the competitiveness of our logistics companies and provide stable logistics services to domestic export and import companies operating abroad. Furthermore, we will expand various policy initiatives, including providing information on overseas logistics markets and supporting logistics companies' international expansion."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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