Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Distribution Companies

An excellent transportation system for moving goods, a trained and affordable workforce and a pro-business climate make the Knoxville region an ideal choice for the distribution/logistics industry.

The State of Tennessee ranks No. 1 in the Southeast and sixth in the nation for employment in truck transportation and tenth for warehousing and storage employment.

Our central location gives quick access to both customers and suppliers. 

  • Located at the juncture of I-40, I-75 and I-81, the region is within a day's drive of 70% of the US markets
    • I-40  Major east-west freeway spanning 8 states from North Carolina to  California
    • I-75  The major link between the Southeast and the Great Lakes
    • I-81  Connects I-40 in Tennessee to the Canadian-US border
  • The University of Tennessee's globally ranked Supply Chain Management/Logistics program
  • Rail service by Norfolk Southern, CSX and local short-line railroads
  • Barge service on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway System
    • Permits access to 22 states
    • Access to deep water ports on both the Eastern seacoast and the Gulf of Mexico
  • Regional airport with flights to 30 major US destinations
  • Up-to-date cargo freight complex
  • US Customs Port of Entry and Foreign Trade Zone designation
  • More than 250 motor freight companies and brokers in the region
  • No personal income tax on wages and salaries