Stockton, California is located in the Central Valley and is known as the "Inland Port" due to its strategic location for freight transportation. The city is situated along the San Joaquin River, which allows for easy access to the Port of Stockton, one of the largest inland seaports in the United States. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including agricultural products, construction materials, and petroleum. It is also a major hub for shipping and receiving goods via rail, with multiple rail lines connecting Stockton to other parts of California and the rest of the country.

Stockton has a rich history in transportation, dating back to the mid-19th century when it served as a major stop on the California Gold Rush trail. The city became an important transportation hub with the completion of the Stockton and Copperopolis Railroad in 1869, which connected Stockton to the copper mines in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Today, Stockton is still a vital transportation center, with its location at the intersection of several major highways, including Interstate 5 and State Route 99. The city is also home to the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, which handles both passenger and cargo flights.