How many of these inland ports are there? And how do they decide wear to put them?

 

There are 2 inland ports, Woodhaven Michigan & Midlothian Texas.

Why they originally put them there I don't know. Both are used for processing a lot of foreign imports, not just cars.

Maybe Woodhaven because of it's proximity to Detroit (US car manufacturing capital, aka "MotorCity"). Has great rail access and waterway access (Detroit river to the Great Lakes).

Midlothian is close to Dallas/Fort Worth. It also has a history of great rail access. Today, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe and Southern Pacific railway passes through there.

Mainly rail access.

Those are my guesses. Anybody that lives near those two places have any more insight?

To me, Omaha would be another logical choice. Generally referred as the geographical center of the US. Access to the Missouri River to the Ole' Miss. Plus the Union Pacific railway.

 

Hey thanks for the Omaha plug -- sounds like a great place for an RX-8 Club event :D

 

My pleasure. I try to plug Omaha as often as I can. I used to live there, Bellevue (9 years). It was one of the best places I've ever lived. If it wasn't for my all my wife's family and my only brother living in Florida, I would most likely still be living in Nebraska.

As in regards to Omaha being a great place for an event, I agree. It would give me a chance to visit a lot of close friends. And, IMO, visit Henry Doorly, one of the best zoos in America again.