New $270M JFK Airport Cargo Center to Lower Truck Congestion
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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey opened a $270 million consolidated cargo handling center at John F. Kennedy International Airport to lessen truck congestion and boost high-value cargo handling.
The new cargo center streamlines operations into a single location and replaces two older facilities that handled four separate cargo zones in a venture between the port authority, investment manager Realterm and Worldwide Flight Services. The latter handles most of JFK’s cargo.
“This new consolidated cargo center reduces truck congestion, lowers emissions and creates good-paying jobs, all while supporting the industries that power the region and the nation,” port authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. “We are in the midst of historic overhauls across all of our airports, and this new cargo center is yet more proof of the transformation that is underway.”
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The new 350,000-square-foot cargo handling center occupies 26 acres and is the first such facility built at JFK airport in 25 years. It has 3,000 square feet of cooler space for temperature-sensitive products that will benefit perishables and pharmaceutical items.
The JFK air cargo sector plays a vital role in the regional and national economy, supporting 93,000 direct and indirect jobs, while contributing $11.4 billion in economic activity annually.
According to the port authority, JFK is the nation’s busiest entry point for low-value international e-commerce packages and a hub for high-value global cargo. Last year, it processed 1.67 million tons of cargo, up 5% over 2023.
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Rick Cotton, executive director of the port authority, noted: “By replacing outdated facilities with a modern cargo center, we’re preparing for the future and improving efficiency and sustainability at JFK.” He predicted the modern consolidated cargo operations will also benefit international trade.
The cargo center is expected to lower truck driver wait times and queuing due to an advanced truck dock management system, optimizing product flow in and out using real-time scheduling, automated check-ins, and digital communication between drivers and dock operators.
“The system automatically allocates the most efficient doors based on the size, type and contents of each delivery, maximizing throughput and reducing delays,” the port authority stated, adding that the system will have trucks arrive only when a dock is available to lower idle wait times and on-site congestion. “This coordination ensures that fewer trucks are on the road or waiting in nearby neighborhoods, leading to reduced noise, emissions and traffic congestion for the surrounding community.”
Interior of JFK airport's new consolidated cargo handling center. (Courtesy Realterm/Worldwide Flight Services)
Other innovations are electric forklifts, electric vehicle chargers and an automated unit load device system to optimize power usage.
“The facility embodies our dedication to connecting the world through logistics and embraces new levels of digitalization and sustainability that will act as a model for other new cargo operations around the world. WFS is proud of its 41 years of service to our customers at JFK,” said Mike Simpson, CEO for WFS Gateway Services, Americas. “This new facility marks a new era for WFS and air cargo at one of the main gateways to the United States.”
James Johnson, executive director of GatewayJFK Business Improvement District, applauded the port authority and partner companies “for prioritizing community impact, job creation and innovation in freight logistics.”
John F. Kennedy International Airport ranks No. 9 on TT's airport cargo list.
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