As a pivotal production and export-oriented region, Stuttgart operates a well-developed logistics and transportation industry. It helps that the region sits at the intersection of major traffic routes and it’s this strategic location that attracts new business. The Stuttgart region boasts exceptional connectivity to the German road network, especially the intersection of the A8 and A81 federal highways. These major roadways provide access in all directions and make the transportation of goods a swift and simple process. Complementing this infrastructure is a dense network of 3,500 kilometres of federal, state, and district roads, which ensures that transport within the region is both efficient and reliable. This road connectivity plays a critical role in supporting the area's export-oriented economy, allowing manufacturers to quickly deliver their products to markets across Europe. In addition to its road infrastructure, Stuttgart is well-served by a developed rail network, which connects to important freight transport corridors across the continent. The Stuttgart-Ulm corridor, a vital link in European freight transport, supports north-south connections from major North Sea ports and the Ruhr area toward southern Europe, as well as crucial east-west routes. Plans for the corridor's expansion into a high-speed line will further enhance freight traffic efficiency, alleviating congestion on existing routes. The Neckar River, which stretches 201 kilometres from Plochingen through Stuttgart to the Rhine, gives Stuttgart’s logistics and transportation industry a unique competitive edge in its inland shipping route. This waterway is essential for connecting the Stuttgart region to the broader European inland navigation network, facilitating access to major economic centres and ports. Inland vessels can reach the ports of Rotterdam or Antwerp in just 52 hours, making this a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for transporting goods.