Distribution and Logistics
The Sterling Distribution/Logistics Advantage: Multi-Modal Transportation into the Midwest, Southeast, and Beyond
Sterling Illinois gives your Distribution or Logistics company access to various markets via multiple forms of transportation. Below is a summary of those transportation options, which you can learn more about on our Transportation Page
Air Service:
Interstate and Highway Access:
Multiple Interstates give you access to every direction you need to go.
Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific serves Sterling’s central industrial area with an average of 90 trains per day. The Sterling-area line is one of the strongest roadbed/track systems in the United States, with a continuously welded track between Chicago, Illinois, and Omaha, Nebraska, this line allows for speeds more than 80 MPH.
Union Pacific connects Sterling directly to:
- The West Coast
- Chicago, Illinois
- the Port of Clinton (Clinton, Iowa)
- Union Pacific’s Global III Intermodal Terminal (GB3) in Rochelle, Illinois
Port Access:
Workforce
Sterling Illinois has a workforce advantage for distribution and logistics facilities. Below is proof that our labor shed can supply the necessary workforce for your business.
Truck Transportation
3X more employed in General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload
2X more employed in Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Local
1X more employed in General Freight Trucking, Local
Rail Transportation
2X more employed in Rail Transportation (non-covered)
Support Activities for Transportation
2X more employed in Support Activities for Rail Transportation
1.5X more employed in Other Support Activities for Road Transportation
Truck Transportation
3X more employed in General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload
2X more employed in Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Local
1X more employed in General Freight Trucking, Local
Water Transportation
3X more employed in Inland Water Freight Transportation
Rail Transportation
2X more employed in Rail Transportation (non-covered)
Support Activities for Transportation
2X more employed in Support Activities for Rail Transportation
1.5X more employed in Other Support Activities for Road Transportation
Transportation and Warehousing Industry Growth >10% Over the Past 5 Years
| Percent Growth | Industry |
|---|---|
|
69% |
Transportation Workers |
|
32% |
All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation |
|
25% |
Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation |
|
22% |
Logisticians |
|
17% |
Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation |
|
13% |
Navigational Services to Shipping |
|
10% |
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers |
Surplus of Transportation Labor
| Number Employed | Industry |
|---|---|
|
8,012 |
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand |
|
5,623 |
All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation |
|
4,995 |
Stockers and Order Fillers |
|
2,290 |
Light Truck Drivers |
|
2,148 |
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators |
|
1,546 |
Packers and Packagers, Hand |
|
1,211 |
Driver/Sales Workers |
|
1,138 |
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors |
|
1,019 |
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment |
|
845 |
Bus Drivers, School |
|
410 |
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors |
|
280 |
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs |
|
207 |
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants |
|
203 |
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity |
Education & Training
Sterling Illinois has the training & education necessary to ensure you have a consistent pipeline of talent into the future. Below is a list of opportunities at local post-secondary institutions.
Western Illinois University
Supply Chain Management (Undergrad)
Black Hawk College
Logistics and Warehousing Certificate
Sauk Valley Community College
Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
