Air, Rail, Road, Port: Why Global Supply Chains Run Through Illinois

 

Across nearly every industry, one thing is constant: the need for fast, reliable, and efficient transportation, distribution, and logistics. And no state in the U.S. nor location in the world moves business better than Illinois.  

Advantageously located in the heart of North America, Illinois is already recognized as a national and global hub for TDL. Here, supply chains converge, operations scale, and companies flourish.  

A Logistics Powerhouse with Unrivaled Connectivity

Illinois offers unparalleled multimodal transportation infrastructure, connecting companies to markets worldwide by air, rail, road, and port (not to mention incredible digital infrastructure, too). Illinois is:

• #1 in the Midwest (and #2 in the U.S.) for freight railroad miles, with all six Class I railroads meeting in not just one but two locations—unique to Illinois alone 

• #3 in the U.S. for interstate highway miles, offering rapid access to many major U.S. markets 

• Home to two major international airports in Chicago (O’Hare and Midway), with O’Hare being the most-connected airport in the U.S. and top 10 in the world  

• A central location enabling two-day delivery to nearly the entire continental U.S. population (over 85%) 

This incredible connectivity supports over 540,000 TDL jobs statewide, with a logistics labor force that’s growing faster than the national average, particularly in warehousing and storage. Illinois is America’s transportation crossroads—and that offers businesses a significant time, cost, and scale advantage.

Infrastructure That Drives Growth

Illinois continues to invest heavily in its infrastructure, showcasing the state’s commitment to TDL. The nearly $45 billion Rebuild Illinois initiative is transforming the state’s roads, bridges, ports, and broadband access, future-proofing industry operations and unlocking efficiencies (and cost-saving opportunities) across the supply chain.  

Program highlights include:

• $25.4 billion for Illinois’ roads and bridges 

• $1.4 billion for major rail projects and added Grade Crossing Protection projects 

• $150 million for aeronautic facility improvements 

• $150 million in new funding for port improvements 

These upgrades enable faster, smarter, and more sustainable logistics, keeping companies ahead of the curve in an evolving economy.

A Skilled and Specialized Workforce

Illinois boasts a workforce of more than six million, many trained through specialized workforce development programs, including partnerships such as:  

• Community colleges (a system that ranks 3rd largest in the U.S.) offering Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and supply chain certifications  

• Industry-aligned programs in warehousing, logistics tech, and automation  

• Institutions like the University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois Tech, which offer advanced degrees in supply chain management and transportation engineering  

Companies in Illinois benefit from a productive, scalable, and specialized talent pool—and not every state can say the same.

Innovation in Motion

Illinois is home to a growing network of logistics technology startups, smart warehousing solutions, AI-driven distribution centers, and university research at the forefront of automation and supply chain optimization.  

Initiatives in clean energy and electric vehicle adoption also position Illinois as a sustainable logistics leader. Logistics fleets here benefit from:

• Growing EV charging infrastructure 

• Clean transportation initiatives  

• Access to a top EV manufacturing cluster, including industry leaders Rivian, Adient, and Gotion

Why Choose Illinois for TDL Expansion?

For companies looking to expand, relocate, or optimize their TDL operations, Illinois delivers a unique and powerful ecosystem:  

• Unmatched transportation infrastructure 

• A central U.S. and North American location  

• A high-quality, ready-to-work logistics talent pool  

• Ongoing (and substantive) infrastructure investment  

• Supportive policies and incentives for growth  

• Access to sustainable logistics and cleantech partners 

As global supply chains continue to evolve, and end users expect faster and more reliable distribution, Illinois stands ready to move you forward.  

If you have a project, view our Vetted Sites. (New! Check out our latest partnership with Ameren to advance Illinois’ site readiness commitment!) If you’d like to learn more, connect with our team to explore opportunities in a state that’s built for business.