North Texas is recognized as the leading intermodal distribution center in the Southwest and one of the top distribution centers in the North American trading bloc. The region acts as a staging area for truck, rail and air cargo into the U.S. and sits along two central corridors for trade. These corridors carry goods from West Coast and Mexican deep-water ports through the Dallas-Fort Worth region and into eastern US and Canadian markets. Both of these corridors support the existing regional network of inland ports including Alliance Texas along Interstate 35W in Fort Worth and the International Inland Port of Dallas (IIPOD) along Interstate 20.

The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is ranked third in the nation in daily operations and has seen a 75% increase in international cargo shipments since 2002. It is also the only airport in the world capable of landing four aircraft simultaneously. Dallas-Fort Worth sits at the focal point of five major interstate highways, more than any other major metropolitan region in the US. The nation’s second largest railroad, BNSF Railway, calls Fort Worth home for its corporate headquarters. Two additional Class 1 freight line rail carriers, more than 600 motor carriers and over 100 freight forwarders conduct operations in the region. Due to the regions proximity in the North American market, pro-business climate and availability of land the region enjoys a significant cost advantage when compared to other major distribution hubs in the US.

The Texas Supply Chain & Advanced Manufacturing Cluster (TexSAM) council is leading the development of a Logistics, Supply Chain, and Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence for the North Texas region that focuses on strengthening economic development, education opportunities, job creation, and an advanced ready-to-work employee base. The center will be both virtual and physical in nature and will be the central point for logistics education, research and training in Texas. The council's mission is to partner with businesses, academic institutions, economic development, and workforce agencies to advance the cluster’s network and outreach, resulting in a highly competitive North Texas region.

TexSAM's Strategic Plan focuses on four goals:

1. Secure grants that will advance the Logistics, Supply Chain and Advanced Manufacturing capabilities of the North Texas Region, as well as promote the education and training of the workforce. Through a $1.5 million Department of Labor grant, Manufacturing Skills Standards Council Certified Production Associate training has begun, and subject matter experts are developing the curriculum for Certified Logistics Technician and Certified Logistics Associate training. 
2. Through discussions with industry partners, launch a pilot project that will advance the goal of creating a ready-to-work workforce by targeting graduating high school students.
3. Create partners and relationships between academic, government, and industry for the identification of best practices, shared resources and training curriculum.
4. Create a white paper to propose needed resources, best practices, economic development strategies, and curriculum development.