HUNTSVILLE – The International Intermodal Center at the Port of Huntsville has experienced remarkable growth in 2023, with a 24% increase in rail lifts compared to the previous year, according to recent reports.
CEO Butch Roberts attributed the success to the Port’s commitment to providing comprehensive and high-quality intermodal services since its establishment in 1986. “We are proud of our successful track record because more than 400 companies trust our capabilities to provide excellent customer service that is vital to their operations,” Roberts stated.
The Port of Huntsville, currently the only inland port in North Alabama, serves as a single hub location specializing in receiving, transferring, storing, and distributing international and domestic cargo via air, rail, and highway. Equipped with a five-mile rail spur connected to the Norfolk Southern Railroad mainline, the intermodal complex facilitates easy access to ports on both the East and West coasts of the United States.
Shawn Tureman, Norfolk Southern Vice President Intermodal & Automotive Marketing, emphasized the significance of the partnership with the Port of Huntsville in providing efficient, reliable, and economical intermodal service to businesses in Alabama and Tennessee.
The Port of Huntsville boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including a rail cargo terminal, U.S. Customs and Border Protection onsite, Foreign Trade Zone No. 83, and extensive air cargo warehouse and distribution facilities. Its strategic location alongside I-565 ensures convenient access to the interstate highway system.
With parallel runways and a large air cargo ramp capable of accommodating multiple aircraft simultaneously, Huntsville International Airport ranks 21st in the continental U.S. for international air cargo volume.
Roberts highlighted the Port’s significant investments in rail intermodal infrastructure and air cargo infrastructure, totaling over $300 million. These investments, along with the Port’s first-class amenities, ensure a bright future for the region.
The International Intermodal Center at the Port of Huntsville has played a pivotal role in connecting the Huntsville community and the Tennessee Valley region with the global market for 38 years. Roberts expressed confidence in the Port’s ability to continue driving economic growth and development in the communities it serves.