Logistical Advantages

Quad Cities First offers unparalleled access to major Midwestern and global markets with unique multi-modal infrastructure including major interstate access (I-74, 80, 88 and 280), waterway access, Foreign Trade Zones, rail systems and airports.


Access to Markets

The Quad Cities First region is located within easy distance of major metropolitan destinations. The area's 300-mile market of 37.4 million is nearly 13% of the nation's population.


Road Mileage:

  • Atlanta, GA - 804
  • Boston, MA - 1,139
  • Chicago, IL - 180
  • Cincinnati, OH - 423
  • Dallas, TX - 918
  • Denver, CO - 841
  • Detroit, MI - 436
  • Houston, TX - 1,159
  • Indianapolis, IN - 312
  • Jacksonville, FL - 1,154
  • Kansas City, MO - 363
  • Los Angeles, CA - 1,857
  • Milwaukee, WI - 218
  • Minneapolis, MN - 361
  • New Orleans, LA - 945
  • New York, NY - 943
  • Omaha, NE - 305
  • Pittsburgh, PA - 615
  • St. Louis, MO - 269
  • Washington, DC - 855

Foreign Trade Zone

The Quad Cities region is a US Customs bi-state Port of Entry and Foreign Trade Zone #133. This Foreign Trade Zone allows a single FTZ grantee to serve two different states - a key business advantage. Source: Quad Cities First


International Trade Service:

  • U.S. Customs Port of Entry
  • Computerized Paired Port Systems
  • Foreign Trade Zone #133 and subzone
  • Customs Bonded Motor Carriers: 24
  • Customs House Brokers/International Freight Forwarders: 3

What is a Foreign Trade Zone?

The Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Program was created by the U.S. government to facilitate international trade and increase the global competitiveness of U.S. based companies. 

An FTZ is an area within the United States, in or near a U.S. Customs port of entry, where foreign and domestic merchandise is considered to be outside of the country or outside of U.S. Customs territory. Certain types of merchandise can be imported into a Zone without going through formal Customs entry procedures or paying commerce, which means no duties or taxes are paid on those items - a strong competitive edge for your logistics and distribution needs. 

The Quad-City Foreign Trade Zone is located in the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois. The Bi-State Port of Entry allows a single FTZ to serve two different states. 

More information on Foreign Trade Zones.