Ship it: logistics companies move Indiana's economy forward by road, rail, ship, air and warehouse.

• Author: Hromadka, Erik
• Position: LOGISTICS

INCREASINGLY THE Hoosier state is at the center of a transportation network that moves cargo seamlessly across all modes of transportation. Today's integrated economy requires a comprehensive logistics strategy for the state of Indiana.

"The transportation, distribution and logistics industry is a critical success factor to Indiana's economic vitality," says Rich Cooper, executive director of the Ports of Indiana, which organized the annual Indiana Logistics Summit. "It's integral to our way of life, touching everything from steel to sportswear. Growing this industry will enable Indiana to take full advantage of its ideal geographical location to boost the state's economy."

By road. Ground transportation has long been a hallmark of Indiana's economy. Leveraging the state's motto of being the "Crossroads of America" has encouraged a number of trucking companies to take advantage of the Indiana's 14 interstate highways to reach the 75 percent of all U.S. businesses that are located within a day's drive.

For example, Celadon Trucking was founded in Indianapolis in 1985 and is now one of the top truckload carriers in North America. The company employs 3,800 and operates 3,000 trucks that ship cargo in and between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Chairman and CEO Steve Russell says increasing demands for cargo transportation means opportunities for new jobs in Indiana.

"We believe capacity in our industry continues to be constrained by a shortage of qualified drivers," he says. "We address the driver shortage by recruiting safe and experienced drivers, providing newer equipment, and offering competitive compensation and lifestyle programs."

While Celadon specializes in long-distance deliveries, another major ground transportation company operating in Indiana is United Parcel Service. Its brown trucks make 159,000 local deliveries in the state each day. The company, which was i founded in 1907 as a messenger company in Seattle with a single bicycle, has operated in Indiana for 50 years and employs more than 7,000 people at 100 facilities in the state.

Sen. Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne) recognized UPS during the current legislative session with a resolution marking the company's 100th year of operation. "If you look at what they've done over these past 100 years, it's just remarkable," Wyss says, noting that all UPS vehicles nationwide are registered in Indiana and have "Indiana" license plates.

"Three years ago we were looking to partner with a...