Opinion: This Campaign Season, Celebrate Logistics

OPINION

In November, New Jersey voters will head to the polls and select the state’s next governor. The campaign itself is already underway, with the first debates happening soon. As the candidates discuss their positions on various topics, we sincerely hope they will keep one thing in mind: the success of the logistics industry is critical to the success of New Jersey.

The logistics industry in New Jersey—which encompasses the Transportation, Logistics and Distribution (TLD) industries that fuel our supply chain—supports over 400,000 New Jersey jobs and is one of the state’s fastest growing employment sectors. It accounts for 12.7% of New Jersey’s private sector wages and contributes $62.5 billion, or 10%, to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

Most New Jerseyans don’t give the logistics industry a second thought, yet it is responsible for improving our lives in so many ways: the groceries at your local supermarket, the fuel that keeps your house warm and your car running, even the packages that arrive on your doorstep with same day delivery—none of it would be possible without the service and dedication of TLD workers across the state.

It might also surprise the gubernatorial candidates that New Jersey’s logistics industry is a leader, if not the leader, in conducting the environmental cleanup of brownfields. Hazardous to public health, these sites often cost millions to rehabilitate and make usable for the public. Up and down the state, logistics companies have taken the initiative on this issue. There are dozens of places across New Jersey that would have remained polluted public health hazards if not for the logistics industry.

The industry’s average annual salary is $75,000, complemented by industry members who offer health benefits that far exceed the workplace standard, along with access to higher education and upskilling, parental leave, and the ability to foster and create the latest technological developments through innovation hubs.

Unfortunately, despite these numerous benefits, the industry continues to be misrepresented in New Jersey. There is a tendency to match misinformation with sensationalism, creating a false sense of doom any time a logistics project – be it a warehouse or a data center or port improvements – is proposed.

We are asking all candidates not to fall into this trap. Instead, give the logistics industry a fair shake when topics such as storage, transportation, location or economic development emerge during the campaign.

Our coalition, Circulate NJ, formed to provide public education on the numerous benefits of the logistics industry, and while our focus is not legislative, we want to be a resource for everyone, whether they are a community activist, legislator or candidate for governor. This exchange of information will lead to more productive public discussions about the TLD industry, and a better understanding of the positive impacts we have on the everyday lives of New Jersey residents.

We are always willing to listen. We urge the candidates do the same.

David Greek is Chair of Circulate NJ and Managing Partner of Greek Real Estate Partners.