California Coverage Area

California borders three states, the Pacific Ocean and Mexico — giving it prime access to highways, air ports and ocean ports. These entry points make the state a key player in both domestic and foreign commerce. Much of the supplies and products coming into the U.S. from overseas comes into the country through a port in California, then is distributed across the country via ground or air transportation. With numerous service centers across the state and our ArcBest International team located in Irvine, ArcBest^® has the ability to move shipments to or from virtually any destination in California, across the country and around the globe. To learn more about the transportation and logistics solutions available with ArcBest, call 800-610-5544.

California Facts

• Population — 39,144,818 in 2015
• Unemployment rate — 6.3 percent as of April 2015
• Sales tax rate — 7.5 percent
• Income tax rate — From 1-13.3 percent, based on income tax bracket
   

Doing Business in California

California is the most populous state in the country with a large, diverse economy. The state relies heavily on technology and tourism for its revenue, but other sectors of the economy are quite lucrative as well. Agriculture, energy, manufacturing, fishing and mining are important industries. California’s low unemployment rate, its location as an international shipping hub, and its strong economy make it a perfect location for business.

Large, Vibrant Economy

If California were a country, it would have the sixth-largest economy in the world. The state is home to 53 Fortune 500 companies and more than 3 million small businesses, and it’s a national leader in many industries.

Agriculture and Fishing

California is considered an agriculture titan in the United States and is the leader in farm income. More than 73 percent of the state’s agriculture revenue comes from crops. More than 200 different crops are grown in the state, with lettuce, tomatoes, grapes, walnuts and almonds being some of the state’s largest exports.

Livestock and commercial fishing area also important to California. It’s the second-leading producer of livestock in the country, behind Texas, and it ranks among the country’s best commercial fishing operations — with tuna being the most valuable fishing commodity.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing plays a big role in California’s economy, too. The state is a leader in the manufacturing of electrical equipment, components and military communication equipment. Other important manufactured products include audiotape and videotape, lighting equipment and telephone equipment.

Mining

California is one of the country’s leading mining states, and oil is its primary mining product. All boron that is produced in the United States is mined in California, and the state is also a leader in the production of sand and gravel, sodium compounds and gold.

Tourism

Visitors spent $126.3 billion in California in 2016, providing $10.3 billion in state & local tax revenue, a 3.1 percent increase from 2015. Tourism and travel generated $4.6 billion in local taxes and $5.3 in state taxes. Additionally, tourism in California supported 1.1 million jobs, with earnings of $41.3 billion in 2015.

Transportation Infrastructure in California

The state’s transportation infrastructure is expansive and versatile. From roads to rail, sea and air transport, businesses have a variety of transportation options.

Highways

California has 24 interstates, seven U.S. highways, eight intercity state routes and a number of county roads. Local bus lines provide commuter traffic in nearly every county.

Rail

According to the California Department of Transportation, California railroads carried 6,539,700 carloads of freight in 2011 — making it an essential part of the intermodal industry. Major carriers operate in the state and provide an extensive network that businesses can benefit from.

Air

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are the major hubs in California, but San Diego, Oakland, Orange County, San Jose and Sacramento all have airports that are listed among the 50 busiest airports in the country. There are about 12 commercial airports and many more general airports located throughout the state’s 58 counties.

Sea

The state’s seaports are critical to commercial imports and exports. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach are the two largest seaports in the country and are responsible for handling a fourth of all container cargo traffic in the U.S.

The Port of Oakland handles the bulk of seaboard cargo passing through northern California. Numerous other seaports and other local harbors are spread out along the Pacific Coast, San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento area.