North Carolina’s shippers may soon have enhanced logistics network

Transportation stakeholders reliant on North Carolina’s major seaports are welcoming news this week, which outlines plans to enhance the intermodal and cold chain network in the region.

“North Carolina’s Ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and the Piedmont Triad in Greensboro, link the state’s consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new business and industry while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy,” noted Governor McCrory when the draft was released. “Port activities contribute statewide to more than 76,000 jobs and more than $700 million each year in state and local tax revenues.”

Among the more prominent details contained in the The State Rail Plan is special mention of “Corridor 11 - Monroe to Pembroke.” 

“This corridor is a strategic economic development priority for the state to link the Foreign Trade Zone #57 for the inland port at Charlotte International Airport with the Port of Wilmington,” observed Leake Little, president of the logistics provider, Carolinas ReLoad.  “Anson County is considered a key link in the CSX National Gateway project.”

Other shippers championing The Plan, noted the following:

• Projects at intermodal terminals, transload facilities, or manufacturing companies can benefit our economy by linking NC industries to the overall rail network. Generally, these projects have good benefit to cost ratios.

• A study to identify a potential new rail intermodal site in eastern NC is recommended.

• Fund track improvements on corridors prioritized based on rail volumes, truck volumes on parallel highways, the Strategic Rail Corridor Network (STRACNET) and connectivity to major freight activity centers.

• Support rail industrial access and short lines through state grants to enhance North Carolina industries’ connectivity to the Class I rail system.