Infrastructure
BY RAIL, ROAD, SEA OR AIR, YOU CAN GO FASTER IN NORTH CAROLINA.
“North Carolina was chosen for the location, for the utility and the transportation advantages, and the state contains an exceptional workforce. In addition, we can service our customer base quicker and provide more cost-effective transportation.”
- Gerardo Muraira, Operations Director, Nutec Group
AN UNSURPASSED LOCATION ON THE EAST COAST
North Carolina’s prime location on the eastern seaboard means that almost half of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive. Four international airports, two deep water seaports and a strong rail system further enhance our state’s supply chain advantages. If access is what you need, you can get anywhere from here.
Air
The world's seventh busiest airport is located in Charlotte
North Carolina is one plane change away from virtually any major city in the world.
Enjoy convenient access to domestic and global markets via four international airports:
- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), world’s seventh-busiest airport
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), a premier air cargo center and home to the FedEx Mid-Atlantic Air Hub.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), fifth in passenger satisfaction among large North American Airports.
- Wilmington International Airport (ILM), home to the ILM Business Park with easy access to highways, rail, and the Port of Wilmington
The state also is home to 10 commercial services airports and more than 100 general aviation facilities.
Ports
Two deep water seaports along Atlantic shipping lines
The North Carolina coast is home to two deep water seaports ports offering fast turn times and capacity for ships carrying up to 14,000 TEUs.
Port of Morehead City
- General cargo and bulk handling facilities
- Channel depth of 45ft M.L.L.W
- Direct access to I-40, I-74, I-95, U.S. 17 and U.S. 74
- Serviced by Norfolk Southern
Port of Wilmington
- Container and general operations
- Channel depth of 42 ft M.L.L.W
- Access to I-95 and I-40 via U.S. 70 and U.S. 17
- Serviced by CSX
In addition, an inland port in Charlotte sits at the heart of the Southeast’s manufacturing and distribution sites.
Rail
Largest consolidated rail system in the country
North Carolina is home to two Class-1 rail carriers. These rail connections extend all the way to the coast, enabling the state ports in Morehead City and Wilmington to offer import and export services to a large market.
Highlights of our rail system include:
- More than 3,200 miles (5,100 km) of track
- Two Class 1 Carriers
- CSX Transportation (CSX) and Norfolk Southern (NS)
- Offer direct service to North American markets and to all major ports along the U.S. East Coast
Roads
Second-largest state-owned highway system
North Carolina has the second-largest state-owned highway system stretching more than 80,000 miles (129,000 km). What’s more, the state’s central East Coast location offers easy access to some of the country’s most important transportation corridors.
Major controlled-access arteries include:
- I-95, the major East Coast interstate linking New England to Florida
- I-85, running from North Carolina through the manufacturing heart of the Southeast
- I-40, spanning the country coast-to-coast from North Carolina to California
