Charleston, SC Economic Development

Easy Access to World Markets

With the most productive port in North America, an integrated rail and highway system and a growing international airport, Charleston provides highly efficient access to the global marketplace. The Port of Charleston directly serves more than 150 countries, with strong growth in India and other Asian markets. Our central location, roughly halfway between Washington DC and Miami, offers prime inroads into the burgeoning US Southeast.
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Port TerminalsAirportsPrimary RailwaysHighway System

Port of Charleston


Make sure to take an interactive tour of our port terminals.
  • Cited by customers as most productive container port in North America
  • Ranked first in customer satisfaction by readers of World Trade
  • Terminals are closer to open sea than any competing port
  • Uses ORION computer system to expedite cargo clearance process (most cleared up to three days prior to arrival)
  • Provides access to 40 shipping lines including all top 20 carriers
  • Top markets are Europe and Asia with 150+ countries directly served
  • In 2006, handled 1.97 million TEUs, an all-time record
  • Major terminal expansion project is underway

Union Pier Terminal

  • Dedicated breakbulk and Ro/Ro cargo terminal
  • 4 berths
  • Easy access to I-26
  • 1.5 hours to pilot station "C"
  • 19.5 nautical miles

Columbus Street Terminal

  • Combination container and breakbulk terminal
  • 6 berths
  • Easy access to I-26
  • 1.5 hours to pilot station "C"
  • 20 nautical miles

North Charleston Terminal

  • Container terminal
  • 2,460 feet of continuous berth
  • Easy access to I-26 and I-526
  • 2.5 hours to pilot station "C"
  • 28 nautical miles

Wando Welch Terminal

  • Container terminal
  • 3,800 feet of continuous berth
  • Less than 1 mile to I-526; easy access to I-26
  • 2 hours to pilot station "C"
  • 22 nautical miles

Veterans Terminal

  • Breakbulk terminal
  • Four piers
  • Easy access to I-26
  • 2 hours to pilot station "C"
  • 23 nautical miles

View more information on the Port of Charleston and its impact on our Global Business.

Also, the Port of Charleston's website includes a Directory of Transportation & Trade Services, a comprehensive guide to local trade and transportation-related services.

Charleston International Airport


Make sure to take an interactive tour of our Charleston area airports.
  • Quick access to I-26 & I-526
  • Seven airlines: AirTran, Delta, US Airways, Northwest, United Express, Continental, American Eagle
  • 100+ daily flights (view flight schedule)
  • Non-stop service to/from 18 major airports
  • Growing air cargo service
  • Runway lengths: 9,001 feet (2,744 meters) & 7,004 feet (2,135 meters)
  • Plans underway to extend both runways
  • Phone (843) 767-1100

Executive Airports


Corporate Wings

  • Located in North Charleston
  • Runway length: 9,001 feet (2,743 meters)
  • Phone (843) 746-7600

Berkeley County Airport

  • Located in Moncks Corner
  • Runway length: 3,800 feet (1,158 meters)
  • Phone (843) 899-7711

Dorchester County Airport - Summerville

  • Located in Summerville
  • Runway length: 3,700 feet (1,128 meters)
  • Phone (843) 851-0970

Dorchester County Airport - St. George

  • Located in St. George
  • Runway length: 3,201 feet (976 meters)
  • Phone (843) 563-6028

Faison Field

  • Located in Mt. Pleasant
  • Runway length: 3,700 feet (1,128 meters)
  • Phone (843) 884-8837

Mercury Air Center

  • Located on Johns Island
  • Runway length: 5,000 feet (1,524 meters)
  • Phone (843) 559-2401

Primary Railways


Make sure to take an interactive tour of our primary railways.
  • CSX and Norfolk Southern both operate large, well-equipped rail yards
  • Dedicated intermodal trains for service to key markets
  • Daily express services inbound/outbound
  • Double stack, COFC and TOFC services
  • Exceptionally high and wide rail clearances for out-of-gauge cargo

CSX Transportation

  • 2700 Bennett Yard Road
  • Charleston, SC 29405
  • (843) 745-5340

Norfolk Southern

  • 1201 Main Street
  • Columbia, SC 29201
  • (803) 748-1277

South Carolina Public Railways

  • 540 East Bay Street
  • Charleston, SC 29403-6337
  • (843) 727-2067

Amtrak (National Rail Passenger Service)

  • 4565 Gaynor Avenue
  • North Charleston, SC 29405
  • (843) 744-8263 for station information
  • (800) 872-7245 for reservations/schedule information

Highway System


Make sure to take an interactive tour of our highway system.
  • 3 Interstate highways (I-26, I-95, I-526)
  • 3 major U.S. highways, 7 major state highways
  • I-95, I-77, I-20, I-85 and I-40 all link directly to I-26
  • 200+ trucking firms serve the market
  • Land-based shipments can reach most domestic markets within 48 hours