Business competitiveness is characterised by strong growth in the worldwide flow of goods and is affected to a significant extent by the efficiency of logistics. This means that the logistics sector is a decisive success factor for companies in the markets. The significance of the sector is reflected in the district of Unna, over 11,000 employees liable for social security contributions are currently employed in over 400 companies of the logistics branch.

The basis for the success of the Unna district include the strategically favourable location at the eastern edge of the Ruhr district and the outstanding offer available for logistics space and superb transport infrastructure.

Four autobahn intersections meet in the district of Unna alone (Kamener Kreuz, Dortmund-Unna, Unna-Ost and Westhofener Kreuz), uniting the most significant north-south and east-west axes with one another. In addition, the key rail and inland waterway routes of the region also traverse the district. In this respect, the municipal harbour at Lünen, on the Dattel-Hamm Canal, is of particular importance. Since 1967 the port has been one of the key connections to the major ARA ports (Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp) and the north German ports. It offers a broad range of services, from the pure transshipment of goods to combined transport, warehousing and consignment. The business development agency has also made considerable efforts to integrate the commercial sites of the district into the rail network where possible, incorporating intelligent transport systems. The RuhrOst logistics centre, along with the container terminals in Bönen and Unna, make up a pioneering project for the combined-transport of goods. At the goods junctions of Unna and Bönen, freight from lorries can be loaded and unloaded onto rail transport. In addition, Dortmund Airport, situated directly on the western border of the district, enables the transportation of both passengers and freight, thus completing the comprehensive transport offer available in the region.