HUNTSVILLE – Things are going up at the International Intermodal Center at the Port of Huntsville … literally.
The facility has seen an increase in its cargo operations for the second straight year while 2024 was its best year since 2008 for rail lifts.
North Alabama’s only inland port posted 22.3% more rail lifts in 2024 (33,745) than in 2023 (27,597).
And, just this month, the intermodal center surpassed a historic milestone of 1 million lifts since beginning operations in 1986.
“More than 400 companies trust our capabilities to provide timely and economical service that is vital to their operations,” said Joey Ceci, board chair of the Port of Huntsville. “Phenomenal, double-digit growth like we have seen for the past two years validates this for us and encourages us to be an even better partner in the years to come.”
The International Intermodal Center at the Port of Huntsville has served North Alabama and South Central Tennessee with comprehensive intermodal services since 1986.
The Port of Huntsville provides a single-hub location specializing in receiving, transferring, storing and distributing international and domestic cargo via air, rail and highway. The intermodal complex is equipped with a five-mile rail spur connected to the Norfolk Southern Railroad mainline allowing easy access to East and West coast ports.
“North Alabama continues to emerge as one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions — with thriving industries from aerospace to automotive — and our results in 2024 highlight sustained momentum despite global supply chain disruptions,” said Shawn Tureman, vice president of Automotive & Intermodal Marketing for Norfolk Southern. “Building on a record-breaking year, our strengthened partnership with the Port of Huntsville is giving Alabama and Tennessee businesses seamless access to major U.S. seaports, and we’ve invested in enhancing our service product in this region.
“As we move into 2025, we’re committed to delivering more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective intermodal solutions that accelerate speed to market and drive sustained regional growth.”
State-of-the-art amenities include a rail cargo terminal and ramp, U.S. Customs and Border Protection onsite, Foreign Trade Zone No. 83, and 436,000 square feet of air cargo warehouse and distribution facilities with 35,000 square feet of cold storage available. The Port of Huntsville is alongside I-565 permitting convenient, uncongested access to the interstate highway system.
“Thanks to Norfolk Southern service and our collaboration with 14 steamship companies, rail traffic has grown steadily year over year,” said Butch Roberts, CEO of the Port of Huntsville. “We have spent $230 million on air freight infrastructure and over $70 million on rail intermodal infrastructure.
“A prosperous future for HSV is ensured by these developments as well as the availability of first-rate facilities including a depot storage yard and U.S. Customs on site.”
The intermodal center has connected the growing Huntsville community and the Tennessee Valley region with the rest of the world for 39 years – providing quality, multi-modal transportation to a diverse regional customer base – and stimulating its economic growth and development.
“Our partnerships with local government and community organizations have enabled us to collaborate closely and create the kind of economic growth and prosperity that cities across the nation are desirous of,” Roberts said. “We are eager to keep working to provide even greater growth and employment opportunities in the areas we serve.”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
