Both are key parts of the Inland Empire, but Riverside often offers slightly more competitive rental rates for "Big Box" distribution. Ontario is closer to the airport (ONT) and the ports, making it ideal for air-freight heavy brands. Riverside is better suited for brands needing massive storage footprints and access to the I-215/I-15 corridors for regional distribution.

In early 2026, average asking rents in Riverside have stabilized around $1.10 to $1.35 per square foot (NNN). While this is a premium compared to 2020, it remains significantly lower than the $1.75+ rates often seen in closer coastal markets like the City of Industry or South Bay.

Yes. From Riverside, ground carriers can typically reach the entire Southern California basin, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and much of Northern California and Utah within 1–2 shipping days. This makes Riverside a perfect "Western Regional Hub" for national brands looking to split their inventory.

Most Riverside 3PLs are outside the Port of Long Beach’s immediate "Overweight Corridor." However, they are experts at managing legal-weight container transfers. If you ship exceptionally heavy goods, your 3PL can coordinate specialized transport to move containers from the port to their Riverside facility efficiently.

Absolutely. Because Riverside facilities are generally newer and larger, they are often designed with automation and robotics in mind. Many 3PLs in this area use AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and high-density racking systems to maximize efficiency and reduce the cost per pick for high-SKU-count brands.