Why is Amarillo Important to the U.S. Supply Chain?

Amarillo’s strategic location, multimodal infrastructure, and manufacturing ecosystem make it a vital contributor to U.S. supply chain resilience. As businesses look to diversify their distribution networks and future-proof operations, Amarillo’s smart logistics environment offers a clear advantage.

Let’s break down how Amarillo’s location, infrastructure, and economic initiatives are helping reshape the logistics landscape, and why that matters for businesses across Texas and the United States.

Amarillo’s Location: Central, Connected, and Capable

Amarillo is the largest city in the Texas Panhandle, and for more than 100 miles in any direction. That matters. Supply chain efficiency often comes down to proximity to markets, highways, and labor. Amarillo delivers on all three.

Amarillo’s central position in the U.S. is underscored by its proximity to the geographic center of the contiguous United States—Lebanon, Kansas, just 443 miles by road. This places Amarillo in the middle of major interstate and freight corridors, making it ideal for distribution. Add to that its drive-time access to major cities like Lubbock (122 miles), Oklahoma City (258 miles), and Dallas (365 miles), and businesses located in Amarillo have the power to reach multiple Southwestern and Midwestern markets within a single day. This provides a geographic balance for distribution and manufacturing companies that want to serve both coasts without relying on a single urban hub.

This central location plays an increasing role in reducing logistics risks, especially in times of regional disruptions, driver shortages, or rising fuel costs. Amarillo is a strategic location for businesses looking to strengthen their supply chain operations in the heart of the country.

A Critical Piece of Texas Supply Chain Infrastructure

If location is the “why,” infrastructure is the “how.”

Amarillo is a true freight corridor city. It lies directly on Interstate 40, one of the most heavily traveled east–west freight routes in the United States, and connects south via I-27 toward Lubbock.

Rail access via BNSF Railway — one of North America’s largest freight carriers — positions Amarillo as a key rail-served market. Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport serves as the region’s primary commercial and general aviation airport, with runways capable of supporting a range of aircraft and air operations that complement road and rail freight routes.

These logistics assets are the backbone of smart supply chain strategy: multiple modal options, lower congestion compared to major metros, and access to both north–south and east–west trade routes.

Smart Logistics in Action: Why Businesses Are Taking Notice

Smart logistics goes beyond location and roads. It means applying digital tools, real-time tracking, data integration, and predictive systems to improve supply chain efficiency. Amarillo is already seeing these principles in motion across industries:

• Local manufacturers and distributors are streamlining operations with digital inventory management.
• The city’s centrality helps third-party logistics (3PL) companies shorten lead times and optimize route planning.
• Regional planning efforts are aligning workforce development with logistics and industrial automation trends.

Major logistics investments like Amazon’s fulfillment center and last‑mile delivery facility in Amarillo demonstrate how national supply chain players are leveraging the city’s multimodal access and infrastructure.

As site selectors and logistics professionals rethink distribution models, Amarillo’s combination of infrastructure and readiness makes it a prime candidate for reshoring and nearshoring operations.

Built for Business: A Diversified and Resilient Economy

While agriculture and energy remain staples of the regional economy, Amarillo’s industrial base continues to diversify, which is a key asset in supply chain discussions. From aerospace and food processing to packaging and industrial coatings, Amarillo businesses are essential contributors to national production and distribution networks.

These companies benefit from Amarillo’s:

• Low cost of doing business
• Workforce training partnerships with regional colleges and trade schools
• Stable permitting environment and long-standing industrial corridors, helping business plan long-term with fewer surprises
• Support from the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, offering relocation assistance, strategic incentives, and long-term growth planning

Together, these factors support both logistics capacity and overall Amarillo economic growth, enabling companies to scale sustainably.

Smart Logistics, Smarter Site Selection

According to the American Trucking Associations, over 72% of freight in the U.S. moves by truck, and the efficiency of that movement depends heavily on geography, access, and infrastructure. With over 14.8 million trucks registered for business use in the U.S., there’s a clear case for regional logistics hubs like Amarillo.

For companies seeking to diversify their economy and avoid over-reliance on bottlenecked urban corridors, Amarillo offers scalable solutions and room to grow.

Ready to Strengthen Your Supply Chain?

Amarillo is not just a pin on the map. It’s a well-positioned, well-prepared logistics hub offering real advantages to companies navigating the complexities of modern supply chains. Whether you’re building a new distribution center, expanding production, or exploring smarter regional routes, Amarillo has the infrastructure, talent, and support to deliver.

Contact the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation today to learn how our team can help you find the right site, partners, and incentives to grow your business in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.