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almart’s $152 million acquisition of a sprawling 2.4 million‑square‑foot industrial campus in Glendale marks a milestone in Arizona’s rapidly expanding commercial logistics sector, signaling the state’s rise as a pivotal distribution node for the Southwest.
The three‑building complex, the second‑largest industrial sale in the Phoenix metro area, was secured off‑market and is tailored for high‑volume warehousing, distribution, and future automation. Its direct links to Interstate 10 and Loop 101, combined with rail access and proximity to California ports and Mexican trade corridors, make it an ideal hub near a growing population center.
Lincoln Property Co. notes that Arizona’s blend of highway, rail, and port connectivity, along with a booming consumer base, is positioning the state to compete with established logistics centers. Executive Vice President John Orsak praised the site’s “prime location” and expressed confidence in continued tenant interest for the remaining buildings.
SONAR’s Outbound Tender Rejection Index for Phoenix rose to 7.42 % this week, up from previous levels, indicating tightening trucking capacity as carriers become more selective amid sustained low rates. While outbound volumes have stayed flat or declined relative to 2023 and 2024, the higher rejection rate suggests carriers are gaining leverage, hinting that spot rates could climb and the shipper‑friendly environment may wane.
The Glendale deal coincides with a surge in new industrial projects across Phoenix, notably the 808,448‑square‑foot ReDiscover Logistics Park in Deer Valley. Developed by ViaWest Group and Barings, the Class A facility targets suppliers and distributors for Arizona’s expanding chip ecosystem and sits just 15 minutes from TSMC’s massive fabrication campus, positioning it as a logistics hub for high‑value, time‑sensitive freight.
Logistics firms are also expanding to meet the region’s demand for speed and specialization. Jet Delivery, a 75‑year‑old same‑day carrier, has launched Phoenix operations to serve healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, tech, and e‑commerce customers. Meanwhile, Phoenix‑based Speedora offers a white‑glove, asset‑owned delivery model for bulky freight, targeting retailers frustrated with damage claims and broker‑heavy networks.
RK Logistics Group has added an 80,000‑square‑foot temperature‑controlled warehouse in Tempe, nearly doubling its Phoenix‑area footprint to 158,000 sq ft. The company cites proximity to Sky Harbor International Airport, interstate highways, and rail intermodal facilities as key advantages, reinforcing Phoenix’s growing role as a hub for high‑value, time‑sensitive freight.
Infrastructure upgrades further strengthen Arizona’s freight backbone. Union Pacific recently doubled the capacity of its Casa Grande Yard west of Tucson, adding new tracks, industrial leads, and signal upgrades along the Sunset Route. The expanded yard supports manifest freight across the Southwest, providing shippers with alternatives to congested coastal gateways and accommodating the state’s manufacturing growth.
