The demand for clean energy-powered fleets has been growing rapidly throughout the transportation sector. As momentum increases, the need to develop infrastructure to support emerging technology will need to be in place before fleet deployments. Ecosystems like the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ) are investing in creating the right relationships and resources to accelerate the availability of alternative fuel sources for new mobility solutions. By convening leading service providers in renewable energy solutions such as hydrogen, electric and natural gas, along with prominent manufacturers like LG Electronics Charging, Cummins Clean Fuels, and MP Materials, the MIZ is at the forefront of the clean energy transition, underlining its commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
Developing Texas’ First EV Fleet Charging Hub
Last year, Gage Zero LLC, an Austin-based fleet electrification solutions company, committed $300 million toward developing charging infrastructure sites for medium- and heavy-duty (M/HD) electric fleets across North America. Gage Zero is working with Hillwood to build Texas’ first public commercial fleet EV charging facility built with trucks in mind. Projects like this will serve as a blueprint for how fleets nationwide can collaborate with clean energy developers to reduce emissions and meet sustainability goals without having to upgrade their warehousing and distribution facilities.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Medium and Heavy Duty (M/HD) fleets account for almost 25% of the transportation sector’s emissions. The AllianceTexas M/HD charging hub will cater to trucks and last-mile fleets, which is crucial to establishing a robust and accessible electrified fleet charging network in Texas. Gage Zero specifically selected AllianceTexas as the site for their facility because of its proximity to major freight infrastructure assets such as the BNSF Alliance Intermodal Hub, Perot Field Alliance Airport, and Interstate 35W, as well as working with Hillwood, a forward-thinking real estate development company delivering innovation solutions to their customers.
“This groundbreaking initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure solutions that prioritize our customers’ needs,” said Russell Laughlin, Executive Vice President of Hillwood. Gage Zero will develop and operate the AllianceTexas EV charging hub as part of its network of sites throughout the U.S., addressing current transportation needs and future resiliency challenges.
Creating a Hydrogen Fueling Network
As part of an initiative to build five hydrogen fueling stations across Texas, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) was awarded $70 million to identify and build stations in strategically located sites throughout the Texas Triangle. The AllianceTexas MIZ has been selected as a critical site for one of the five proposed hydrogen fueling stations slated to be developed across the state
“Given the amount of truck traffic that passes through the Texas Triangle, securing fueling stations for the entire area helps trucking companies invest in converting to hydrogen,” said a spokesperson for the NCTCOG. Collectively, these stations will create a hydrogen fueling network for medium- to heavy-duty freight trucks, significantly enhancing the feasibility and attractiveness of hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative for freight companies operating in the region.
Carbon-Negative Fuel Expands to North Texas
AllianceTexas is strategically located within one of the biggest transportation regions, making it ideal for renewable natural gas (RNG) fueling stations. Recently, Clean Energy Fuels Corp., the country’s largest provider of the cleanest fuel on the transportation market, announced the opening of two new fueling stations in North Fort Worth and South Dallas. The two stations will expand Clean Energy’s vast network of fueling stations across the U.S. and Canada.
The North Fort Worth station is purposefully located near Alliance and DFW airports and dozens of distribution centers to provide heavy-duty trucks and fleet vehicles quick and easy access to a fuel that offers a similar convenience to diesel but receives a carbon-negative rating, making it one of the cleanest fuels in the world. This station is equipped with multiple fast-fill fuel dispensers and offers 82 private overnight fueling posts, establishing RNG as a cost-effective and efficient solution for fleet operators.
Creating a Fully Domestic Supply Chain
When it comes to electric vehicle production, re-shoring critical magnetic materials to the U.S. is vital for the future of electrification and smart technologies. MP Materials, a leader in the production of rare earth metals, built a first-of-its-kind rare earth magnetics factory at the AllianceTexas MIZ. The factory produces magnets for EV motors by converting raw materials into finished goods, allowing MP Materials to fully restore an end-to-end supply chain within the United States. With transportation infrastructure deeply integrated into the landscape, a highly skilled and reliable workforce and abundant industrial capabilities, AllianceTexas was an ideal choice for MP Materials.
Entering a New Era of EV Growth and Manufacturing
In January, LG Electronics opened its first U.S. factory to assemble EV charging stations in Fort Worth, expanding to meet the varied needs of customers, especially those operating in commercial travel and long-distance transportation. The 100,000-square-foot plant signals a new era of innovation in North Texas and the growth of America’s EV charging infrastructure.
“This is a great day for Fort Worth,” Mayor Parker said, celebrating LG’s choice to establish its U.S. manufacturing base for EV chargers in the city. The facility will open new opportunities for businesses, municipalities and other public places to support the growing number of EVs on the road, create new jobs and reinforce AllianceTexas as an innovation and manufacturing hub of the future.
The Future Starts With Infrastructure
AllianceTexas is more than just a hub for logistics and mobility; it is a catalyst for clean energy innovation. Today, AllianceTexas is committed to fueling clean fleets with advanced hydrogen and EV charging stations while simultaneously preparing for tomorrow by powering the manufacturing of these technologies. Hillwood empowers industry leaders such as MP Materials, LG, and Cummins Clean Fuel to ensure that the infrastructure and innovation needed for a sustainable future are not just envisioned but realized.
With new hydrogen fueling stations, Texas’ first fleet EV charging hub, and a host of renewable energy solutions, the MIZ is leading the charge toward a sustainable future. This convergence of cutting-edge infrastructure and visionary projects positions AllianceTexas as a trailblazer in renewable energy solutions, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Strategic Innovations in a Shifting Supply Chain Environment
In 2019, capital investment in supply chain technology peaked. The subsequent pandemic exposed significant industry vulnerabilities, including inventory shortages, trade disputes, workforce availability issues, and extensive transportation delays. These challenges spurred a surge in investment towards supply chain solutions, emphasizing the need for predictability and stability within supply chains.
By 2023, global supply chains continued to face these challenges. Organizations with solid fundamentals and resilient business models managed to withstand these pressures while others struggled. As 2024 unfolds, investment levels have declined, with the number of deals and their values decreasing year-over-year. Valuations have stabilized, reflecting a broader market adjustment towards normalization.
In this new equilibrium, investors are more cautious, but significant opportunities remain for those who can identify and leverage strategic innovations poised to thrive in the coming years.>
The Future of Mobility: Innovations in Transportation and Supply Chain Automation
As the market stabilizes, the supply chain technology sector demands increased automation, improved speed, and sustainable, green solutions. There is also an increasing need for supply chain transparency, digitization, and renewable energy sources. Solutions must support shifting global flows of goods and services, as well as national, regional, and local logistics networks.
Investment targets in this evolving landscape include innovations in transportation and mobility, such as autonomous trucking, unmanned aircraft, renewable energy solutions, and AI-powered logistics models. These technologies aim to automate and enhance the reliability of goods and people’s movement, ensuring faster and safer delivery.
The Importance of the Right Ecosystem for Investment
In this dynamic environment, the strategic selection of investment targets is as crucial as the investments themselves. Establishing robust partnerships between the supply chain industry and venture capital firms is paramount.
AllianceTexas: The Ideal Ecosystem for Strategic Innovations
AllianceTexas exemplifies the ideal ecosystem for current market conditions. As a global hub supporting daily trade, it also serves as an incubator for strategic innovations and technologies to improve mobility, logistics, and manufacturing efficiencies.
A prime example is the AllianceTexas Smart Port, a public-private partnership creating a sustainable, productive logistics and mobility solutions hub. The Smart Port facilitates collaboration among stakeholders, fostering innovations in transportation and mobility that benefit companies, employees, and communities.
For venture capital and supply chain technology firms, AllianceTexas offers an ideal ecosystem for commercialization characterized by the following:
- Commitment to Innovation: With purpose-driven infrastructure, logistics amenities, and ready-to-occupy Class A facilities, AllianceTexas nurtures and supports continual innovation.
- Real-World Expertise: Unlike abstract tech incubators, AllianceTexas operates as a global ecosystem for real-world distribution and logistics, providing unmatched opportunities for commercialization and collaboration.
- Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ): The MIZ is set up to advance mobility, such as autonomous and automated goods movement. It offers comprehensive infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and supply chain capabilities, connecting people, places, and ideas to push surface and air mobility innovation forward.
- Public-Private Partnership: AllianceTexas exemplifies public-private partnership, enabling mutual growth and advancement for investors, startups, local governments, and surrounding communities. It also facilitates collaboration with policymakers to create informed, responsible regulations for emerging mobility innovations.
Modern supply chain concepts have fundamentally transformed the world, and the challenges of 2020 have reshaped these concepts further. As we adapt to a new normal, venture capital and supply chain firms need environments where strategic innovations and mobility advances can be evaluated, refined, and commercialized under real-world conditions. Few developments in the world can match AllianceTexas’s ability to meet this challenge, making it the perfect ecosystem for fostering the future of mobility and resilient supply chain infrastructure.
Clevon, a pioneering Estonian-based autonomous delivery vehicle innovator, strategically established its North American headquarters in the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ) in September 2022. This marked a significant move for Clevon and the global last-mile delivery market, which is expected to grow nearly five times in the next six years, totaling $57B1. To meet the increasing demand for same- and next-day deliveries, Clevon’s flagship product, CLEVON 1 – an all-electric autonomous robot courier designed to navigate urban environments with ease – will enable last-mile delivery to be more energy-efficient, cost-effective and scalable.
Driving the Industry Forward
While the promise of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is already in motion, innovators still face a number of challenges to commercialization.
CHALLENGE
- Policy and Regulation: Companies like Clevon must navigate the ever-changing landscape of safety standards. Globally, regulatory frameworks have not been able to keep pace with the rapid technological development of AVs, leaving governments to independently create a patchwork of regulations that could hinder large-scale deployment.
- Infrastructure: Physical and digital infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, location and connectivity are essential for AV development but scarcely available in one place, making it difficult to test, improve and scale AV technology for commercial use.
- Public Acceptance: To gain widespread adoption, the public must trust autonomous vehicle safety. In a recent poll, Americans are generally split on their acceptance of AVs in daily life.2 Public perception will either be a significant accelerator or barrier to adoption.
An Ecosystem Built for Innovation
Renowned for fostering cross-industry partnerships and innovation, the AllianceTexas MIZ provides Clevon with a unique ecosystem that also meets the physical, geographic, and logistical needs to advance its technology.
In less than three months, Clevon established their North American headquarters at AllianceTexas and completed their first driverless delivery through an urban environment in the U.S. CLEVON 1 successfully traveled 3.6 miles along public roads, navigating traffic and obstacles in real-time to deliver gourmet meals from O’Neill’s Inflight Catering to the Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport.
SOLUTION HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with visionary companies, developers, policymakers and the surrounding community is integral to the MIZ ecosystem. Creating opportunities for dialogue and connection across public and private entities allows companies within AllianceTexas to share insights that accelerate innovations.
For Clevon, cross-industry collaboration with award-winning, single-family community developer Hillwood Communities was crucial in realizing autonomous technology in residential communities. This deployment allowed Clevon to interact with residents, where they could educate, answer questions and generate awareness and acceptance for future adoption. CLEVON 1 is already being folded into daily life, delivering packages through a partnership with PostNet at Hillwood’s master-planned community, Harvest.
Robust Infrastructure: Regarding innovation, the infrastructure necessary to support leading-edge technologies extends beyond physical structures, including digital and critical infrastructure. The combination and strength of these benefits at the MIZ are unique to its ecosystem.
Access to Alliance Airport and proximity to DFW Airport were critical factors in Clevon’s decision to make the MIZ its North American headquarters. The MIZ’s unparalleled infrastructure also offered practical advantages that showcase Clevon’s technology in action. On-road testing has been instrumental in proving the safety and success of CLEVON 1, allowing the innovators to go beyond selling the vision and deliver tangible results that allow their customers to envision future opportunities. With a large concentration of globally recognized companies headquartered and expanding substantial operations in North Texas, the MIZ is the perfect location for commercialization.
These initial pilot projects are setting the stage for large-scale deployment. The explosive growth of North Texas makes it the ideal place for expansion. At the same time, the MIZ offers the right structure to support and accelerate Clevon’s commercialization and growth. From customer support to manufacturing and assembly, Clevon plans to continue building and operating from the MIZ. As they scale robotic delivery services in North Texas, new services – like food and grocery deliveries – can be provided using the technology. They have a growing list of partnerships in other cities and states across the U.S., including a collaboration with Tarrant Area Food Bank in Arlington, Texas.
Supportive Environment: For innovative companies to thrive, they require a forward-thinking and supportive environment where corporate partners, public sectors, and community members are receptive to their work and advocate for technological advancements.
From the beginning, Clevon benefited from the accommodating and personal leadership of the Hillwood team, which reflects the pro-business landscape in Texas. As part of the MIZ, Clevon benefits from its continued support and advocacy, making it easier to build partnerships with public safety officials, the Texas Department of Transportation and many other public and private entities. In this convergent industry landscape, Clevon has the opportunity to accelerate commercialization. Companies that stand together can capitalize on early market entry to develop comprehensive standards alongside policymakers who will shape the regulatory framework for AVs.
Entering the Transformative Era of Last-Mile Delivery
This case study compellingly portrays Clevon’s transformative journey within the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ). The MIZ is a vital ecosystem that addresses challenges and propels innovation, collaboration, and the successful commercialization of autonomous last-mile delivery solutions.
In an evolving landscape, CLEVON 1 offers a safer, more efficient alternative to last-mile delivery with the ability to reduce carbon emissions to zero and labor costs by up to 90%. Clevon’s growing list of partnerships and accelerated path to growth serves as a testament that the success and scalability of transformative technologies depend on the environment they’re in.
References:
- According to Fortune Business Insights
- Polling data demonstrates the damaging impact of a single incident—Uber’s fatal self-driving car accident in March 2018—on public perceptions. AAA’s surveys report a significant increase in the number of surveyed Americans indicating being afraid to ride in a self-driving car: more than 70% in 2018 and 2019, up from 63% in 2017.
The aerospace sector stands on the brink of transformation as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) takes flight. These cutting-edge technologies will not only integrate new forms of transportation into our current mobility ecosystem but present significant opportunities for economic growth. Perhaps most importantly, the success of AAM aircraft in the real world hinges on the development of robust infrastructure and fully integrated logistics systems.
The Importance of Infrastructure
AAM aircraft, primarily encompassing highly automated uncrewed electrically powered aircraft, represent a new paradigm in air transportation. Their commercialization will create a future where goods and passengers are transported with unprecedented efficiency and reduced environmental impact. However, challenges like government alignment, infrastructure readiness (like power sources and charging stations), and cautious regulatory bodies, pose significant hurdles.
Today, AAM technology is being developed by traditional aerospace companies as well as startups around the globe. But commercializing AAM aircraft requires more than innovation. It requires the development and integration of critical infrastructure that supports the operational ecosystem for future electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and along with crew-optional or unmanned aircraft systems. AAM-specific infrastructure includes multimodal compatibility, 5G connectivity, sensory systems needed for communications, navigation, and surveillance, and a skilled workforce that can support this rapidly evolving industry.
Innovation Beyond Infrastructure
Until now, the AAM industry has kept its focus on innovation, but with commercialization quickly approaching, companies have begun shifting their attention to air mobility infrastructure and ecosystems that will continue to support them as they scale. Places like the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ) are uniquely positioned to support the AAM industry and serve as a catalyst for overcoming existing barriers. The MIZ is a first-of-its-kind, real-world ecosystem that brings cutting-edge technologies to commercialization at a faster rate, offering a unique set of air and surface logistic assets, including Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, BNSF intermodal hub, and a flight test center in addition to unparalleled access to resources and partnerships that are critical to scaling and commercializing AAM technologies.
Manna Drone Delivery, an Ireland-based drone delivery company, entered the North American market placing its first commercial operation within the MIZ, benefits from the robust infrastructure of the MIZ. For innovative companies like Manna to thrive, they require a forward-thinking and supportive environment where public-private partnerships are possible, and community members are receptive to their work as much as they require the physical infrastructure needed to test and scale. Thanks to a collaboration between Manna and Hillwood, Manna completed its first flight in the U.S., launching from a delivery hub located inside the MIZ last October. The Manna Aero drone delivered food, beverages, and candy from national and local retailers to Pecan Square, a Hillwood residential community. The on-demand approach to last-mile delivery is just one of many commercial drone innovations happening at the MIZ and will eventually scale to include a select number of Hillwood’s residential developments in North Texas. As part of the MIZ, Manna has been able to showcase the viability of AAM in a real-world setting and leverage the MIZ’s strong partnership with public sectors to accelerate its journey toward commercialization.
Recently, the joint NASA/USAF Agility Prime program successfully installed a high-bandwidth air-to-ground and air-to-air communications network at the MIZ. This initiative is a collaborative effort of the North Texas Cohort, including the Helicopter Institute, which provided the surrogate eVTOL aircraft, Unmanned Experts (UMEX), Advanced Air Mobility Texas (AAMTEX), and Hillwood at the AllianceTexas Flight Test Center. A collaboration with NASA and other partners in 2024 aims to transform Fort Worth and Tarrant County into a premier Urban Testbed for Advanced Air Mobility demonstrations. This ambitious endeavor will leverage the high-bandwidth network to ensure the MIZ remains at the forefront of urban air mobility innovation, setting new aerial communication and operation standards.
The AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone Ecosystem
Due to its potential economic impact and national security implications, the United States has prioritized achieving AAM leadership. The future of air mobility, which includes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and other commercial drone applications, made substantial progress in 2023. Companies around the world are pressing forward with ambitious plans to create exciting new aircraft and technologies while the AAM sector generated $4.5 billion in disclosed funding last year, signaling its continued momentum.
The MIZ is an ideal hub for AAM innovation, attracting mobility visionaries, logistics companies willing to integrate AAM into their business, and infrastructure companies willing to build and establish aircraft corridors and the associated hardware needed to fully commercialize. Its unique mixed-use ecosystem offers a critical advantage within its vibrant community which nurtures both personal and professional growth, making AllianceTexas a magnet for talent crucial to the AAM industry. Additionally, the rich legacy and expertise of Hillwood, with its deep roots in aviation and innovation, provide invaluable guidance in navigating the intricate landscape of AAM commercialization, further cementing the MIZ as a pivotal player in the industry’s progression.
The journey towards commercialization and full integration of AAM aircraft and logistics systems is complex and multi-faceted. The MIZ stands at the forefront, demonstrating that with the right infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and a supportive ecosystem, the barriers to AAM commercialization can be overcome. While the adoption of automated commercial drones and other uncrewed aircraft might be a graduated evolution, the efforts and progress at the MIZ serve as a global beacon, guiding the way toward a new era in air mobility.
When it comes to electric vehicle production, a profound opportunity is emerging that promises to reshape the global supply chain. Key to seizing this opportunity is re-shoring critical magnetic materials to the U.S., a move that is vital for the future of electric vehicles, drones, intelligent transportation systems and the electrification of smart technologies. By creating a vertically integrated magnet manufacturing industry in America, it’s possible to build and accelerate the next generation of mobility and defense technologies and strengthen the supply chain.
Fortifying the Supply Chain
Bringing rare earth magnet manufacturing back to American soil is essential to transforming the supply chain. Rare earths serve as fundamental building blocks of the modern economy, enabling trillions of dollars in global GDP via a wide range of clean energy, information technology, defense, and industrial applications. According to the new market research report “Rare-Earth Metals Market – Global Forecast to 2026, published by MarketsandMarkets™, the rare earth market is expected to grow to $9.6 billion USD by 2026. Beyond the economic benefits, re-shoring this industry will also re-shore jobs, strengthen national security and capture a portion of the global magnetics market China is currently dominating.
Strategically Positioned for Growth
MP Materials, a leader in the production of rare earth metals, is working to close the economic and national security gap related to rare earth materials. In 2022, they commenced the construction of a first-of-its-kind rare earth magnetics factory, which set the stage for building a fully domestic U.S. supply chain. The strategic location of the factory within the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ) speaks volumes about the need for a consistent and trusted rare earth supply chain when it comes to the future of mobility and electric car technology. Magnets are the linchpin of electric vehicle production and supply chain innovation in the U.S. According to a report by independent research firm Adamas Intelligence, the demand for magnets is projected to triple by 2035, making the factory’s presence at the MIZ pivotal to innovations in aerospace, defense, clean energy and emerging technologies. The company’s large-scale rare-earth element mine is in southeastern California. It is the only integrated rare mining and processing facility of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. MP Materials’ new location at the MIZ will enable it to convert raw materials into finished goods, restoring an end-to-end supply chain in the United States.
The MIZ ecosystem is uniquely suited to foster innovation in the mobility sector. With transportation infrastructure deeply integrated into the landscape, a highly skilled and reliable workforce, and abundant industrial capabilities, the MIZ was an ideal choice for MP Materials. Furthermore, the MIZ is zoned for heavy industrial, which streamlined the permitting process and allowed MP Materials to accelerate construction – slow permitting is a common challenge of operating in certain states in comparison to Texas.
Commencing in late 2023, MP Materials will begin producing materials at its new factory for General Motors EV program. The facility will produce magnets powering approximately 500,000 electric vehicle motors per year, with potential to scale. The project will also create approximately 150 high-skill jobs and 1,300 indirect jobs.
The AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone Ecosystem
The MIZ offers a unique and comprehensive ecosystem, providing mobility visionaries with unparalleled access to infrastructure, resources, and partnerships. This ecosystem is instrumental in scaling and commercializing new technologies, and MP Materials’ presence further cements its potential.
The journey to reshape the logistics industry and the global supply chain has begun. By re-shoring rare earth magnets to the U.S., we are not only creating economic opportunities but also strengthening national security and ensuring a sustainable future for smart technologies and intelligent transportation systems. As electrification continues to power our world, the importance of innovative ecosystems like the MIZ will be central to its success.
Ready to take the next step and push mobility into the future? Explore the boundless opportunities awaiting your business at AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone.
In today’s interconnected and globalized world, supply chains are critical in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services across regions and countries. However, various and often unexpected challenges have hindered the creation of a seamless supply chain model, leading to disruptions and inefficiencies that adversely affect economies and communities. To overcome these obstacles and build a resilient supply chain for the future, cities, and businesses need to embrace public-private partnerships while leveraging cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to create more intelligent supply chain innovations.
Visibility Improves Efficiency
The current supply chain system faces significant bottlenecks and challenges that impact its efficiency. On average, every 3.7 years, major supply chain disruptions occur. From conflict and trade disputes to natural disasters and cyberattacks, disruptions can take a month or more to correct. The impact creates delays and congestion that lingers, but a lack of real-time visibility is a major reason supply chain operations can’t rebound quickly. To achieve resilience in the supply chain means having the ability to withstand disruptions, no matter what unforeseen circumstances occur, and quickly recover while maintaining seamless operations.
The US spends $2 trillion on shipping costs annually–70% of which is attributed to transportation–but intermodal rail and autonomous technology have the upward potential to reduce cost and greenhouse emissions by over 65%. Autonomous technology specifically has the potential to reduce drayage costs by up to 70% compared to traditional models that heavily depend on human capital. To achieve resiliency and sustainability in the supply chain, embracing advanced technology and interconnectivity is crucial. Regional, state, and national leaders must have the ability to leverage real-time tracking capabilities to monitor goods and services from departure points to final destinations. This level of visibility not only facilitates proactive decision making, but also minimizes risks, and elevates overall supply chain performance. As the market and demand continue to evolve, the need for integrated communication and supply chain innovation has never been greater.
The Port of the Future
Smart Ports are more productive, sustainable transport hubs offering fully integrated logistics systems that monitor the entire journey of goods, identify challenges, optimize solutions in real time, and function as an information-sharing platform between a variety of logistic actors. But their impact goes beyond mere efficiency improvements to deliver more holistic, long-term insights that improve and converge both the physical and digital worlds to provide a better quality of life for the companies, communities, and people it serves.
The AllianceTexas Smart Port, a $250 million public-private partnership, emerges as a solution that empowers the North Texas supply chain to function efficiently even during emergencies. By leveraging integrated communication, technology, augmentable microgrid solutions, and calculated surface infrastructure, the AllianceTexas Smart Port offers a one-of-a-kind ecosystem, providing a 24/7 transportation model that supports continuous logistics movement without interruption. The AllianceTexas Smart Port is strategically connected to a network of North Texas-managed corridors utilizing technology lanes to dynamically manage freight pathways across the DFW metroplex. On a state and national level, it resides along the 865-mile Texas Connected Freight Corridors, including critical border-to-border corridors like I-35 and I-45, making it possible to seamlessly move millions of shipments and track goods between Canada and Mexico more efficiently and securely than ever before.
With supply chain innovations like the AllianceTexas Smart Port in place, North Texas can efficiently handle complex, large-scale distribution challenges posed by the ever-increasing demands of manufacturing and e-commerce fulfillment companies. The insight-driven technology also serves as a safeguard against future unpredictability, such as global pandemics, providing invaluable protection to businesses and communities to secure sustainability in the supply chain regionally and far beyond.
The Case for Smart Ports
The benefits of the AllianceTexas Smart Port extend to businesses, consumers and local communities. For businesses, the Smart Port is a game-changer. It minimizes supply chain interruptions and enhances logistics efficiency, allowing companies to optimize their operations and ensure seamless product movement. Moreover, the Smart Port fosters resiliency and sustainability in the supply chain, reducing the vulnerability of businesses to disruptions caused by external factors.
On the consumer side, implementing a Smart Port ensures safer, less congested transportation routes, resulting in faster delivery times and enhanced access to goods and services. Additionally, the real-time tracking capabilities facilitate the timely delivery of critical medicines, vaccines, and disaster relief supplies, addressing health and community needs with greater responsiveness. Local communities also experience the benefits of a Smart Port, which escalates economic development and investment while reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions caused by alternatively powered vehicles, warehouses, and conscientious infrastructure.
AllianceTexas, with its existing transportation infrastructure, proves to be an ideal location for the Smart Port. Surrounded by over 70 million square feet of industrial Class A development, it offers a strategic thoroughfare for thousands of long-haul trucks daily, alongside accommodating the needs of two million area residents.
At the Gateway to a New Logistics Era
Attaining sustainable resilience in the supply chain begins with the seamless integration of technology and infrastructure. The AllianceTexas Smart Port sets a powerful example of how regional, state, and national leaders can work together to create a resilient supply chain model that scales not only the North Texas region but also has a far-reaching impact across the world. Embracing smart logistics hubs like the Smart Port is the path to a future where supply chains are robust, adaptable, and able to withstand any challenges that come their way. Investing in technology-driven solutions can pave the way for a truly resilient and efficient supply chain that benefits businesses, communities, and consumers alike.