Cargo Terminals

Cargo terminals are essential to deliver maximum value to shippers, carriers, and beneficial cargo owners. Improvements such as intelligent transportation systems, roadway expansions, dedicated truck lanes, grade separations and flyovers are vital to streamlining last-mile links to interstate and highway networks. Likewise, the integration of on-dock or near-dock rail facilities with inland ports, warehousing facilities and distribution centers reduces cargo dwell time, significantly increasing marine terminal throughput capacity.

At Kimley-Horn, we bring deep expertise in cargo terminals to support your port’s operational goals, delivering solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, support intermodal connectivity, and alleviate congestion.

Container Terminals

Kimley-Horn offers specialized expertise in planning and engineering design for container terminals, delivering innovative and efficient solutions to support the evolving needs of global trade and port logistics. Our team integrates operational analysis, infrastructure planning, and advanced engineering to optimize terminal layouts, improve cargo flow, and enhance intermodal connectivity. We address every aspect of terminal development—from site selection and capacity modeling to the design of vessel berths, container yards, intermodal rail yards, administration and maintenance complexes, truck gates, and supporting utilities and infrastructure—delivering scalable, resilient, and sustainable facilities.

Our experience includes implementing the latest in container terminal automation, electrification, active stakeholder coordination, effective procurement support, and efficient construction management. With a deep understanding of port operations, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies, we help clients create high-performing terminals that meet today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

Liquid Bulk and Dry Bulk Terminals

Kimley-Horn specializes in developing and optimizing dry and liquid bulk marine terminals, leveraging extensive expertise in marine structures, material handling systems, storage facilities, and process engineering. Our approach ensures efficient, safe, and sustainable operations, carefully balancing functionality with environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance.

From enhancing cargo flow and designing advanced pipeline and loading systems to integrating automation for improved performance, our teams collaborate closely with clients from the earliest planning stages to craft innovative solutions. By addressing complex challenges related to vessel connections, product containment, spill prevention and environmental protection, and operational logistics, we create resilient infrastructure that meets the evolving demands of global trade.

Warehousing, Distribution Centers, and Inland Ports

Warehousing facilities, distribution centers, and inland ports play crucial roles in global supply chains, providing efficient storage, transportation logistics, and distribution of goods while unlocking much-needed capacity at seaports. Coupled with the demand for regional distribution hubs and local fulfillment centers, partnerships with ports to facilitate efficient and timely end-to-end solutions for goods movement is paramount. With more than 20 years of experience developing inland freight multi-modal facilities, Kimley-Horn connects the logistics dots for our Ports and Maritime clients.

From single buildings to entire campuses encompassing tens of millions of square feet, we bring unmatched experience in industrial, warehouse, and distribution center facility development. From master planning and entitlements to final design, construction, and asset management, our teams provide turnkey services to deliver critical storage and distribution infrastructure and facilities for private owners and public agencies. For intermodal and inland port facilities, our integrated expertise across industrial, rail, and roadway ensures that facilities operate efficiently, traffic congestion is avoided, and sites are optimized to meet current and future demands.