04-25-2025

On the Move: Transportation and Logistics Advantages in North Carolina’s Southeast

When it comes to strategic business advantages, location is everything—and few regions check more boxes than North Carolina’s Southeast. With its unmatched connectivity, multi-modal transportation infrastructure (land, air, rail, and sea), and pro-business environment, this corner of the state is rapidly becoming a go-to hub for logistics, distribution, and supply chain operations. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or e-commerce operator, the Southeast region of North Carolina has the infrastructure and connectivity to keep business moving at full speed.

Strategic East Coast Location

Halfway between New York and Miami, the Southeast region of North Carolina offers seamless access to major U.S. markets. Whether you are moving goods north, south, inland, or abroad, you are within a day's drive of more than 170 million consumers. That is a major competitive edge for companies focused on speed-to-market.

The region is crisscrossed by vital interstates like I-95 and I-40, forming a backbone of efficient overland transport. I-95, the East Coast’s main north-south corridor, connects the Southeast region directly to major markets up and down the seaboard. I-40, stretching from Wilmington west to California, makes coast-to-coast freight movement feasible.

Additionally, upcoming infrastructure improvements – such as the extension of I-295 south of Fayetteville and enhancements to I-74 – are expanding capacity, shortening delivery timelines, and reducing costs for logistics companies and freight forwarders.

Port Power: Access to Global Trade

North Carolina’s Southeast is home to the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City. The Port of Wilmington is a deep-water port known for its efficiency, low congestion, and fast turn times. It offers container, bulk, and breakbulk services, plus on-terminal rail and easy highway access. Businesses benefit from lower drayage costs, reliable transit times, and a deepwater port that is continually investing in capacity and technology. For businesses with international supply chains, the Port of Wilmington makes quicker turnaround and lower costs possible.

The Port of Morehead City specializes in bulk and breakbulk, making North Carolina’s Southeast an ideal base for export-oriented industries.

Rail Connectivity to National Markets

The region’s rail infrastructure supports everything from bulk commodities to intermodal freight, giving industries the flexibility they need to scale. Two Class I railroads – CSX and Norfolk Southern – serve the region, providing direct rail links to inland markets, seaports, and distribution hubs. Short-line railroads also serve local industries with custom freight solutions. Strategically located intermodal terminals add flexibility for manufacturers and distributors who rely on rail for cost-effective shipping.

Air Freight and Commercial Access

North Carolina’s Southeast is served by several airports, including Wilmington International Airport (ILM) and Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY), which offer air freight capabilities in addition to passenger service. Additionally, the North Carolina Global TransPark and Kinston Regional Jetport (ISO) provide a versatile transportation hub with connections to key East Coast and transatlantic markets. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) are also close, expanding the region’s global reach. Businesses that rely on just-in-time delivery or high-value cargo can count on reliable air logistics as part of the region’s multimodal ecosystem.

Logistics Infrastructure

North Carolina’s Southeast is not just well-connected – it is also forward-thinking. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, including road expansion, industrial parks with pad-ready sites, and improved broadband, ensure the region is prepared for tomorrow’s logistics needs. Several industrial and logistics parks in the region offer direct access to major highways and rail lines, providing shovel-ready solutions for growing businesses. Companies that locate here can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time.

Built to Move Business Forward

From highway and rail to ports and airports, North Carolina’s Southeast region delivers a powerful combination of logistics assets and strategic access. Additionally, our community colleges and universities support logistics, supply chain, and transportation programs, allowing the region to cultivate a workforce ready for today’s fast-moving economy. North Carolina’s Southeast is not just a place on the map – it is a logistics advantage you can build a business around. Whether you are shipping across the state, across the country, or around the world, the region delivers the infrastructure, talent, and momentum needed to grow.