Gallup’s Transportation Assets Are Good for Business
August 21, 2019
Gallup, New Mexico is ideally situation in the Southeastern United States – a rapidly growing region. According to Johnny Johnson, Managing Director of the New Mexico Trucking Association, “The advantage of New Mexico and McKinley County is the strategic location coming off the west coast for HOS and proximity to the port of Houston in Texas.”
Businesses can use the interstate to travel coast to coast
From Gallup and McKinley County, businesses can easily access the Southwestern United States and drive the interstate to the east and west coasts. For example, it is possible to take I-40 all the way to Wilmington, North Carolina to the east or Barstow, California to the west. Simultaneously, US 491 - the only 4-lane highway going north/south between Flagstaff, Arizona and Albuquerque, NM, takes drivers north into Colorado and Utah. In addition, two hours east of Gallup is I-25 – an interstate that extends to the Mexican and Canadian borders, opening up additional markets for local companies.
Rail access is strong in Gallup and McKinley County
Gallup has a long history with the railroad, one that still brings rail enthusiasts from throughout the country who look to feel the thunder of trains chugging down the tracks. For local businesses, the affinity for the railroad is more of a practical one. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad’s South TransCon track connects McKinley County to the Pacific Ocean oriented - Port of Long Beach and the Gulf of Mexico oriented - Port of Houston, as well as ports of entry at the Mexican and Canadian borders. With a major rail yard in downtown Gallup, local businesses have one of the best locations in the country for moving raw materials and finished products from coast to coast.
Air travel is also convenient from Gallup
Though the Albuquerque International Airport is only 135 miles away, Gallup has its own municipal airport. The Gallup Municipal Airport, a general aviation airport, is owned and operated by the City of Gallup. The services provided include a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Gallup Flying Service, Federal Express, Gallup Med Flight, Budget Car Rental, and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
The Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation Provides Business Assistance
The GGEDC is available to help businesses who are considering locating in Gallup and McKinley County. Businesses and regional partners who have worked with the GGEDC have experienced the advantages of having them as a partner. “The GGEDC is one of the most forward-thinking groups that New Mexico Trucking Association has had the pleasure to work with on New Mexico advantages for Transportation in the future,” said Johnson.