Jacksonville’s growth by way of transportation and logistics
Writer: Pablo Marquez
January 2025 — Serving as the gateway to the Southern United States, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe, Greater Jacksonville’s story of growth is set to be told by way of national and international logistics and transportation. As the Northeast Florida region continues to attract new businesses and an increasing population, infrastructure and logistics investments will be needed in order to meet the needs and demands of a growing Jacksonville.
Jacksonville provides companies and businesses with same-day access to over 98 million consumers, making it a premier global destination for commerce. Thanks to its robust transportation and logistics network — including rail, air, sea, and highways — products can be efficiently shipped worldwide from Northeast Florida’s strategic location. The region is well-served by two deep-water ports, three major interstates (I-95, I-10, and I-75), four railroads (including two Class I lines), and a major international airport, establishing Jacksonville as a key logistics and transportation hub.
Business leaders in Jacksonville, including Nat Ford, CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA); Robert Peek, chief commercial officer of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT); Michael Rubin, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council; and Brian McCormick, director of airport properties, facilities and contract services of Breeze Airways, shared their insights on the latest market trends and dynamics that are shaping the transportation and logistics sector in the region.
Nat Ford, CEO, Jacksonville Transportation Authority
There are many items in our Move2027 plan. Once completed, our 10.5-mile autonomous vehicle network will be coupled with replacing ReadiRide microtransit zones with autonomous vehicles. There are also a number of construction projects. We have 10 completed street projects focused on Northwest Jacksonville to make sure people have proper sidewalks and separated bike lanes and automobiles. We were fortunate to get the responsibility for completing our Emerald Trail. The JTA has been charged with completing its remaining five segments. We have been successful in getting federal grants. Our track record for completing projects has benefited our competitiveness for future projects. This past year, we received the largest federal grant in the history of the JTA and the city of Jacksonville at $147 million to complete the five remaining segments of the Emerald Trail. The second factor is the St. Johns River Ferry. Its current form is obsolete. We will be using a second renewable diesel hybrid boat. In the future, it will be converted to be 100% electric. In September 2024, the JTA earned a $15.6 million federal grant to purchase a hybrid ferry that will begin transporting vehicles across the river by 2029.
Robert Peek, Chief Commercial Officer, Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)
We project that our three main cargo types – containerized, vehicles, and breakbulk – will increase over the next few years. Along with our tenant partners, we are investing millions of dollars in new facilities and equipment to handle more of these cargo types. That means more containers, vehicles, and breakbulk (non-containerized warehouse goods) will move through Jacksonville’s port over the next few years. We want to ensure that we have the capability and facilities to handle this increase. On the container side, our largest private terminal operator tenant is investing tens of millions of dollars to double their throughput capability at JAXPORT. On the breakbulk side, companies that turn forest products such as wood pulp into things like paper towels and napkins are increasing their production in the United States, so they need more raw materials. Additionally, we will continue looking for regions in the world where we do not have direct ship services, and identifying vessel owners and shipping lines that can introduce new services to the Jacksonville Port. That will allow us to plug those holes and ensure that we truly are a global port.
Michael Rubin, President & CEO, Florida Ports Council
We are looking for anybody who is either shipping product out of or into the United States, and see ourselves as a seaport system that can efficiently handle cargo. In terms of continents and countries, the Americas have always been our major markets. We have ongoing trade missions in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. If you are a Puerto Rican citizen, you would want JAXPORT to stay efficient because all your critical commodities come from that port. Additionally, Port of Palm Beach provides export services to the Caribbean, including major markets like the Bahamas and Dominican Republic. Nevertheless, there is interesting growth in European trade, including incoming or outgoing commodities and goods such as citrus. Everybody also continues to look at the Middle East, where Turkey has become a major exporter of concrete. Some Asian markets that are using the California route, such as Vietnam, may use the Suez Canal, go to Europe, and then come to the United States. We also have several service vessel calls coming into Port Everglades and PortMiami. Finally, JAXPORT has now secured cargo coming in from Africa.
Brian McCormick, Director of Airport Properties, Facilities & Contract Services, Breeze Airways
The next step for us is to grow our commitment to the region. Jacksonville is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States, offering robust opportunities for further expansion. Currently, we operate 15 nonstop routes, including new services to San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. We see significant potential given Jacksonville’s appeal to both visitors and residents looking to travel. Our commitment to Jacksonville is exemplified by becoming a signatory carrier, a rare distinction in the airline industry. This status, which we were the first to achieve in Jacksonville in 20 years, since JetBlue, signifies a long-term relationship with the community. As a signatory carrier, we receive better operating rates at the airport in exchange for our enduring commitment. This move underscores our dedication to Jacksonville and our plans for continued growth and service expansion in the area.
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