Strategic Advantages

The Port of Vancouver USA's Strategic Advantages can be most easily described in three simple declarations:

• Who we are as an organization
• Where we are located
• What we have to offer

The following eight points were determined to be the port's strongest strategic competitive advantages for industrial development:

1. Global Gateway Positioning: The Port of Vancouver’s multi-modal, easy access to and from the Pacific Rim and into and out of the United States Midwest and Western Canada makes the adage, Location, Location, Location really drive value in the form of reduced overall transportation costs to our customers.

• River: Columbia River – The Columbia River offers deep water access for vessels that draw up to 43 feet with connectivity to the Pacific Rim and specifically Asia Pacific trade routes.  The port is located 104 river miles from the Pacific Ocean, directly serving the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan marketplace and is also just that much closer to the US Midwest and Western Canadian origins and destinations than other West Coast Ports.
• Road: Interstate 5 – the main north/south West Coast motor freight artery between Canada and Mexico is located just two miles from the port. Interstate 84 – a major regional east/west connector is just 12 miles from the port. The port is connected to both I-5 and I-84 through State Routes 501  and 14 providing easy truck access.
• Rail: The port has direct unit train and carload service from the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad's north/south and east/west mainline corridors. The port facilities have open access for both of the western Class 1 railroads. The port also currently owns and maintains over 25 miles of existing track.   Over 40 miles of track is planned with the completion of the port's West Vancouver Freight Access rail expansion project. 

2. Ready-To-Go Industrial Inventory: The port has space available NOW, in a variety of configurations, that is ready for use in the form of existing buildings offering combinations of manufacturing, warehouse, office and improved land ready for development. This provides potential customers with CHOICES: Currently the port has approximately 300 acres dedicated to industrial use that provides over 2 million square feet of buildings, land and facilities for over 55 tenants that produce 1,084 direct jobs.  The port's industrial holdings account for 9 percent of the Vancouver area industrial inventory.

3. Infrastructure In Place: The port offers not only outstanding multi-modal transportation access, but has invested in the infrastructure to support existing customers and new growth potential. From utilities and rail, to docks and handling equipment, to a 24-7 professional security force and secure facilities with the latest in energy efficient lighting and fiber optic connections to the rest of the world, the port has invested millions of dollars in its state-of-the-art modern facilities.

4. Existing Port Tenants And Customers: There is a natural supply chain advantage offered by being located in close proximity to other businesses.  As well, there are efficiencies and synergies created from "Business Clusters" in place today at the port that offer value to potential NEW port tenants and customers.  The port has more than 50 customers and tenants with a diverse portfolio of operations and networks.

5. Proven Capabilities: The port has an experienced professional staff that offers an extension to any port customer's network and resource pool. Our capabilities include:

• Environmental expertise
• Extensive development and project delivery experience
• Communications and media relations
• Transportation and logistics services
• Governmental and community affairs
• Financing opportunities
• Marketing experience and excellence

6. Partnership "We Can – Can Do" Culture: The port approaches every opportunity as a partnership and brings all of its significant resources to bear that has earned Port of Vancouver USA the title of the "We Can and Can Do" port. Through creativity, agility and professional partnerships, the port is able to deliver an atmosphere that grows and supports business.

7. Alternative Funding Sources: Not at all insignificant in today's economy is the port's ability to access various funding sources for project developments that need that added boost. Types of alternatives that exist for qualifying projects at the port are:

• New markets tax credit financing
• Industrial development corporation bond financing
• Revenue bond financing
• Tenant improvements
• Developer financing

8. Business Friendly Community: The Port of Vancouver, teamed with the City of Vancouver, Clark County and the State of Washington are all working together to make Vancouver the best place to do business and live. These strong relationships and alliances help to provide both existing and NEW tenants and customers with a "one stop shop" approach to creating and maximizing opportunities.  By the team having the ability to offer various incentives and in-kind value added services, depending upon the merits of each project, helps to maintain the port's strategic competitive advantage.