Worldwide delivery giant UPS has submitted planning permission for a new hub at London Gateway Logistics Park, which would act as a distribution facility for the firm.
The application to Thurrock Council has been made on behalf of UPS by architects and planning specialists AECOM.
Currently, UPS's main UK hub is at Tamworth, north-east of Birmingham, while it also operates a customer service centre at Regis Road in Kentish Town, London.
For the new site, Thurrock Council has approved a fast-track planning process for the proposed facility.
This includes a determination deadline of September 28th, meaning UPS is likely to have permission granted or refused by that date.
A spokesperson for UPS said: "UPS makes investments in our operations, our technology and our people to ensure that we can continue to provide unparalleled service to our customers and be in a position to grow the business."