When you’re in the business of moving goods—whether you’re distributing products across the West or manufacturing Nevada components for just-in-time delivery—reliability isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. That’s why more companies are looking to Northern Nevada, and specifically the I-80 corridor, as a strong base for operations.
Interstate 80 is one of the most vital freight routes in the country, connecting the ports of Northern California to the rest of the U.S. It’s a key artery for logistics—and for companies operating in or around Reno—it’s the backbone of regional and national distribution.
But what about winter? After all, I-80 crosses the Sierra Nevada, one of the snowiest mountain ranges in the West. That’s a fair concern for business owners and managers—but the data tells a reassuring story.
Over the past 15 years, snowfall at Castle Peak—a key monitoring point along I-80 that sits at ~9,000 ft elevation—has ranged from 148 inches to over 800 inches in a single season. Despite these extremes, I-80 has remained open more than 99% of the time. On average, westbound closures occur about 10 times per year, and eastbound closures about 9 times. Most of these are short-lived, with nearly half lasting less than 30 minutes.
Even during the record-breaking 2010–2011 winter, when Castle Peak received 818 inches of snow, I-80 experienced just 9 westbound and 11 eastbound closures. That’s a testament to the region’s infrastructure and the agencies that keep it running.
If your operations depend on timely deliveries and minimal disruption, this level of reliability is a game-changer. Northern Nevada offers direct access to California’s ports and consumer base—without the congestion, regulatory complexity, or high costs often found on the other side of the border.
For distributors, this means fewer delays and more predictable delivery schedules. For companies focused on manufacturing Nevada goods, it means a smoother supply chain and better control over inventory and production timelines. And for both, it means peace of mind.
Beyond I-80’s performance, Northern Nevada offers a compelling package for businesses. There’s no corporate income tax, industrial real estate is more affordable than in neighboring states, and the region is actively investing in infrastructure to support growth.
Reno, in particular, has become a magnet for logistics firms and manufacturing Nevada companies. Its central location allows for next-day delivery to nearly every major market in the Western U.S., and its workforce is growing alongside its economy.
At Street Commercial Real Estate, we work with companies every day that are looking for dependable, no-nonsense solutions for their industrial real estate needs. The numbers speak for themselves: I-80 is a proven corridor, and Northern Nevada is a reliable place to do business.
If you're considering expanding or relocating your operations—whether in logistics or manufacturing Nevada products—we’d be happy to help you explore the opportunities available in the Reno-Sparks area. Let’s talk about how your business can benefit from the kind of reliability that only Northern Nevada can offer.
