The aim of this thesis has been to find out potential new locations for logistics centers by the E18 road in Southwest Finland. The thesis deals with the current state of the E18 road and the logistics centers nearby it in Southwest Finland, the factors that affect for the location decisions of logistics centers, and also previous researches about potential business districts in the area and also the business areas that are already in the development stage.

This thesis examined what existing business areas along the E18-road are already located and what plans does the municipalities have for their development in the future. The thesis also examined the previous researches of possible new business areas in the area, as well as how this information obtained in the research has been taken forward. Based on this information, the thesis identified which areas would be best suited for logistics companies. The main emphasis of the work was on quantitative methods, like traffic volumes, distances and travelling times. Taking all the above into account, the thesis succeeded in finding three potential future locations for logistics centers.

Thesis has been mandated by Turku University of Applied Sciences and it is part of the Baltic Loop project. This thesis and the results obtained in it can be used to assist in the next phases of the Baltic Loop project.