Port of Charleston Expands Rail Network With Huntsville Link
By: Port Technology International
September 15, 2026
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. The Port of Charleston has expanded its inland rail connectivity with the launch of a daily direct intermodal service to Huntsville, Alabama, operated by Norfolk Southern.
The service is intended to strengthen connections between Charleston and growing markets across North Alabama and Middle Tennessee.
The new rail link gives importers and exporters another option for moving cargo between the Port of Charleston and inland markets, extending the port’s reach beyond its immediate coastal gateway.
Micah Mallace, President and CEO of South Carolina Ports, said: “The intermodal service between Charleston and Huntsville is a meaningful addition for our customers, as we work with our partners at Norfolk Southern to give shippers greater flexibility and speed to market at the right cost. Strong intermodal connectivity and reliable port service are key to delivering the efficiency and consistency our customers need, and this service between Charleston and North Alabama and Middle Tennessee markets delivers on all fronts.”
Rail currently accounts for 25 per cent of South Carolina Ports’ cargo volumes. The port also provides daily express intermodal services and direct rail connections to Inland Ports Greer and Dillon.
The wider network provides access to inland intermodal hubs including Memphis, Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, Charlotte and Louisville, allowing cargo to move between Charleston and markets across the southeastern US.
Shawn Tureman, Vice President of Intermodal Automotive at Norfolk Southern, stated: “The Port of Charleston is a critical gateway to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and Norfolk Southern is proud to strengthen our network in this important market. This service between Charleston and Huntsville gives shippers another reliable, cost-effective option for moving cargo throughout the Southeast. We will continue working alongside strong partners like SC Ports to expand our offerings.”
The Huntsville service adds to Norfolk Southern’s existing intermodal network serving the Southeast and provides shippers with an additional rail option for cargo moving through Charleston.
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