The Logistics of Growth in Southern Dallas

When the Panama Canal expansion project is completed in 2016, allowing for more and larger ships to to pass through, southern Dallas stands poised to reap the economic benefits. More cargo in the port means more trucks on the road, more trains on the tracks, and an increased need for a workforce skilled in logistics and supply chain management.  

UNT Dallas professor Dr. Subhro Mitra is working with the National Defense Transportation Association to help North Texas prepare for the anticipated influx of goods and the ability to receive and distribute them on a grander scale.

 “Dallas is poised to become one of the country’s greatest inland ports,” Mitra said. “First, however, we have to get the supply chain logistics in place to handle that kind of increase. The region needs more workers who can facilitate efficient movement of freight through the state, including at the ports and on major corridors such as Interstate 35 and U.S. 69.”

Some of the logistics facilities that already call southern Dallas home include:

• FedEx Ground (325,000 sq ft)
• Amazon (500,000 sq ft)
• Unilever (860,000 sq ft)
• Whirlpool (1,000,000 sq ft)
• Prologis (300-acre site)
• Union Pacific Dallas Intermodal Terminal
• International Inland Port of Dallas

Mitra, an associate professor of logistics and supply chain management, was recently awarded the 2015 Distinguished Educator’s Service Award by The National Defense Transportation Association.  In recognizing Dr. Mitra, the NDTA award cited his “exceptional service and commitment to the education and research in transportation and supply chain management.”

“Dr. Mitra is tireless in his commitment to his field and building the logistics and supply chain management program at UNT Dallas,” said Dr. Karen Shumway, dean of the UNT Dallas School of Business. “With his help, UNT Dallas is ready to provide the research, education and outreach North Texas needs to adapt to the region’s impending growth.”

Dr. Mitra’s efforts are setting the stage for UNT Dallas to become a center of logistics and supply chain management research, education and outreach for the region.  The success of that effort will depend on the close and continual partnerships with community and business leaders.

“We want area businesses to view UNT Dallas as a resource, and our students to understand the incredible employment opportunities available to them after graduation,” Mitra said. “Working together, we can learn what challenges employers are facing, and tailor our curriculum so that our students bring viable workplace solutions immediately upon graduation.”

Roundtable discussions on campus with area employers and our students are a step toward that goal. Topics like the “Logistics Investment and Trade Growth” session held October 26 are bringing companies like Lockheed Martin, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and Premier LogiTech to campus to meet with students, faculty, staff, and community leaders.  

 “Logistics and supply chain management is an intriguing area of study, especially in this region at this point in history,” Mitra said. “In the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, more than 800,000 people are working in logistics-related careers. Those numbers are expected to increase when the expanded Panama Canal becomes operational next year. It’s exciting for the industry, and it’s a great opportunity for our students who are ready to work.”

Logistics and Supply Chain Management department contact: Dr. Subhro Mitra, associate professor, Subhro.Mitra@untdallas.edu or 972-338-1808.

Media contact: Ashley Johnson, PR/Communication Director, Ashley.Johnson@untdallas.edu or 972-338-1098.

Date: October 27, 2015