Windsor Airport freight hub confirmed; Landstar says it’s not involved

WINDSOR, Ont. — Landstar System released a statement yesterday indicating it is not involved in the construction of a major multi-modal transportation and logistics facility at the Windsor Airport.

However, up to 10 freight services and logistics companies are committing to the project, which is being spearheaded by an independent Landstar agency, Carlin Enterprises.

“Neither Landstar System, Inc. nor any of its subsidiary companies, including Landstar Canada, Inc., are involved in the proposed project,” the company said on its Web site in response to media reports. “Landstar understands that discussions regarding this project have involved representatives of the City of Windsor and Carlin Enterprises, a Hamilton, Ontario-based business. Carlin Enterprises is an independently owned and operated agency for Landstar but is not acting as Landstar’s agent or representative in this project.”

Regardless, the project was formally confirmed by local officials yesterday, who described the project as a “state-of-the-art multi-modal cargo facility.”

Rail, ocean container and road shipments will flow through the hub, avoiding the congestion associated with major cities like Toronto and Montreal.

Up to 10 different freight services and logistics companies will be involved in the project, officials said. Dock and office space at the facility will be available for lease and it’s expected stakeholders will include companies involved in: container operations; container yard supplies; transportation freight handling services for ocean, road and rail containers; air freight service providers for consolidation and deconsolidation; customs brokerage and freight-forwarding; yard services, heavy haul transportation and storage and courier and expedited services.

“This milestone for Windsor-Essex leverages this region’s existing strengths and is the future model for developments and consolidation in the transportation and logistics sector,” said airport president and CEO Federica Nazzani.

The new facility will include 80 doors, a 30,000 sq.-ft. loading dock operation and 12,000 sq.-ft. of office space. It will directly employ about 360 people with another 100 spin-off jobs.