Buffalo County Delivers for Logistics Operators: Central Location, Built-In Infrastructure, Proven Workforce
Buffalo County offers a logistics environment engineered for speed, scale, and staying power. Anchored by direct access to one of the country’s most critical east-west freight routes, Interstate 80, strengthened by a multimodal transportation network, the county gives logistics firms reliable access to national markets without the congestion or delays of urban metros. From national fulfillment centers to specialized freight carriers, logistics firms are leveraging the county’s built-in advantages to move goods faster, more efficiently, and at a lower cost.
Logistics Firms Gain Immediate Reach
Interstate 80 runs along the southern edge of Buffalo County, offering nonstop access to major freight corridors. U.S. Highway 183 and U.S. Highway 30 provide additional north-south and east-west connectivity.
These routes deliver seamless access to Denver, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Buffalo County offers coast-to-coast reach with fewer urban slowdowns and reduced last-mile delivery costs for businesses operating fulfillment centers, courier networks, or freight terminals.
A Central Logistics Hub with Multimodal Reach
Buffalo County’s infrastructure connects directly to high-value freight corridors:
- Interstate 80 is the country’s main thoroughfare and the county’s logistics advantage, offering uninterrupted east-west travel from New York to California.
- U.S. Highway 30 and U.S. Highway 183 provide complementary north-south and regional access, enabling direct shipment into and out of Midwest markets.
- Kearney Regional Airport connects local businesses to global destinations via daily flights to Denver International Airport and two runways supporting freight and private aviation.
- Union Pacific and BNSF Rail provide Class I rail service with access to intermodal hubs and national freight lines.
This combination supports intermodal shipping, high-speed parcel movement, regional distribution, and national fulfillment, all from a centrally located, logistics-ready region.
Major Logistics Players Are Already Here
GXO Logistics, a global leader in supply chain solutions, operates a key facility in Buffalo County. The location supports both regional and national clients and reflects the area’s capacity to meet the needs of modern logistics providers.
Buckle, a $2 billion retail brand headquartered in Kearney, operates its national warehouse and fulfillment center locally. With more than 440 retail stores across 42 states and a growing e-commerce platform, Buckle’s logistics hub in Buffalo County is proof of the region’s scalability and efficiency.
Workforce Ready for Logistics Demands
The Buffalo County laborshed includes 196,671 residents and more than 109,000 working-age individuals. Over 4,100 already work in transportation and warehousing roles, earning an average annual wage of $64,604.
The region’s logistics workforce includes:
- CDL-certified long-haul and regional drivers
- Warehouse and distribution technicians
- Inventory control specialists
- E-commerce fulfillment staff
- Material handlers and forklift operators
- Maintenance and logistics systems support personnel
Targeted Growth Across Logistics Sub-Sectors
Buffalo County is not a one-size-fits-all location. The area offers tailored advantages to logistics sub-industries with specialized needs.
Fulfillment & Distribution Centers
Companies needing central hubs to ship regionally or nationally benefit from Buffalo County’s connectivity and land availability. High-growth e-commerce firms and omnichannel retailers can optimize delivery times, control shipping costs, and scale without metro-level overhead.
Example: The Buckle’s national distribution and fulfillment center in Kearney supports over 440 retail stores and an expanding e-commerce division, all from a central Nebraska location.
Specialized Freight Trucking
Buffalo County supports firms hauling refrigerated goods, agricultural inputs, construction materials, and oversized freight. With proximity to rural producers and manufacturing bases, carriers cut deadhead miles and improve route planning.
- Access to Interstate 80 ensures freight reaches Denver, Omaha, Kansas City, and Chicago with predictable transit times.
- Rail support from UP and BNSF offers an alternative for bulk or intermodal transport needs.
Courier & Express Delivery Services
Regional courier and last-mile operators benefit from Buffalo County’s geographic efficiency as parcel volumes rise. The central location enables one-day and two-day shipping windows across a multi-state region. Reduced congestion improves delivery accuracy and fuel efficiency.
- Kearney Regional Airport allows for time-sensitive air shipments.
- Local access to major highways ensures dependable scheduling for ground-based fleets.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers
Buffalo County offers a cost-efficient environment for third-party logistics firms supporting warehousing, transportation, and inventory services. With access to national clients, regional manufacturers, and retailers, 3PLs can serve multiple accounts from a single operational base.
Cold Storage & Ag-Based Logistics
Nebraska’s ag production creates a growing demand for cold chain infrastructure. Buffalo County, with agricultural producers and processors in the region, is well-positioned for temperature-controlled storage and distribution.
- Direct routes from farm to facility to retailer streamline the cold chain.
- Utilities and site selectors can work with local officials to tailor infrastructure needs.
Built for Business, Not Bottlenecks
Logistics operations rely on predictable transit, affordable land, and workforce reliability. Buffalo County delivers all three. Unlike congested metro markets, Buffalo County offers:
- Lower land acquisition and facility costs
- Minimal traffic congestion for reliable routing
- Supportive local governments aligned with logistics expansion
- Available industrial sites with infrastructure and proximity to major corridors
These factors reduce operating risk and enable faster project timelines, especially for companies building or expanding distribution capacity.
Move Freight Faster from Buffalo County
Logistics investments in Buffalo County are backed by infrastructure, workforce, and location. Companies expanding freight operations, building distribution centers, or launching fulfillment platforms can confidently access what they need to grow here.