About the Cluster

The pace at which the biosciences industry and clinical research are evolving has created an explosive demand for temperature-controlled logistics services (cold-chain logistics). The demand for these services is projected to increase by more than 60% by 2020. The intersection of intermodal access and the significant logistics and biosciences industries uniquely positions Memphis to become a leader in this rapidly evolving field known as biologistics.

The unique nature of biomaterials and advanced pharmaceuticals creates new challenges not only for those needing to ship or receive them but also for supply chain and logistics providers due to the high-value and temperature/time sensitive nature of the products and the increasingly stringent regulatory requirements for shipment control and monitoring. This creates a need for new and more advanced storage and distribution infrastructure, customizable supply chain strategies, innovative solutions to scheduling and validation problems, and a highly specialized and compliant network to enable predictive insight, generate alternative procedures, and mitigate risk so that product integrity is maintained.

Why Memphis?
Known as 'America's Distribution Center' for extensive infrastructure in all modes, Memphis boasts the second busiest cargo airport in the world, five Class I railroads, the fourth busiest inland port in the country, and the ability to reach more major markets overnight by truck than any other metropolitan area in the nation. This nexus of transportation infrastructure creates significant transportation, logistics and distribution sector job opportunity, with Memphis having a greater percentage of logistics workers in its workforce than any other metropolitan area in the country. The speed to market for the Memphis area is one reason for the robust biosciences industry, and nearly 10% of the Memphis workforce is employed in this sector. This intersection of intermodal access and the significant logistics and biosciences industries uniquely positions Memphis to become a leader in the rapidly evolving field of biologistics.