Alabama's Ports Are the Pathway to Our Economic Future

When we discuss Alabama’s economic development ecosystem, we often focus on workforce, education, and innovation. However, one of the most powerful engines that drives our growth—and connects our communities to opportunity—is our logistics infrastructure. Alabama's network of ports, both coastal and inland, transform the way business is done in our state.

As a site selector and economic development consultant, I have worked with companies, large and small, to find the optimal locations for long-term investment. Alabama consistently rises to the top because of its combination of transportation assets—rail, roads, rivers, air cargo, and ports. That logistical strength allows businesses to compete on the global stage, create jobs, and revitalize communities across our 67 counties.

The Port of Mobile: A Global Gateway

The Port of Mobile serves as our state’s global gateway. Alabama's only deep-water seaport, the Port of Mobile is one of the fastest-growing container ports in the United States. With over $1.2 billion dollars in investments to deepen and widen the ship channel, modernize terminals, and expand intermodal capacity, Mobile has positioned itself as the Gulf Coast's premier gateway to global trade.

The Port supports more than 150,000 jobs statewide and plays a vital role in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to steel, forest products, and agriculture. Five Class I railroads, two major interstates, and access to inland waterways make it one of the most connected ports in the country. That inland waterway access extends Alabama’s reach beyond the coast, linking communities hundreds of miles inland to global markets.

The Port of Guntersville: Supporting Rural Industry

In North Alabama, the Port of Guntersville provides barge access to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, linking local industries to the Port of Mobile and international markets. The Port of Guntersville supports rural industry. It plays a critical role in transporting commodities like grain, aggregates, and steel, and supports regional manufacturers that rely on low-cost waterborne freight.

For Marshall County and surrounding areas, the Port of Guntersville serves as a bridge to economic inclusion. By connecting inland Alabama to global commerce, it ensures that rural communities remain competitive and relevant in today's economy.

The Port of Huntsville: Alabama's Inland Air and Rail Powerhouse

The Port of Huntsville is Alabama’s inland air and rail powerhouse. Just an hour north, the Port of Huntsville—which includes Huntsville International Airport, the International Intermodal Center (IIC), and Jetplex Industrial Park—is one of Alabama's most advanced inland logistics hubs. It is also one of the few in the nation to combine air cargo, rail, and highway access in a single integrated system.

Home to international cargo flights and a Foreign Trade Zone, the Port of Huntsville gives businesses in North Alabama direct access to global supply chains via air and rail. It is a key reason why Huntsville has become a magnet for high-tech, automotive, and aerospace industries—and why companies from around the world are investing in the Tennessee Valley. This inland port is a logistics asset and a launchpad for the next generation of Alabama's economy.

Birmingham's Inland Port: Central Alabama's Intermodal Engine

Birmingham’s inland port serves as central Alabama’s intermodal engine. Located in the heart of Central Alabama, the Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility serves as a key logistics and rail hub for the state. Operated by Norfolk Southern, this inland port provides seamless freight transfer between rail and truck, allowing businesses in the Birmingham metro and surrounding areas to access national and global markets with efficiency. Its strategic location along major interstate corridors enhances supply chain speed for industries including automotive, steel, distribution, and e-commerce. The Birmingham facility relieves congestion at coastal ports and drives economic growth in one of Alabama's most vital industrial regions.

The Port of Demopolis: Strengthening Alabama's River Commerce

The Port of Demopolis strengthens our state’s river commerce. Located along the Tombigbee River in Marengo County, the Port of Demopolis serves as a critical inland waterway terminal in Alabama's Black Belt region. This port facilitates the movement of bulk materials such as aggregates, agricultural products, and industrial goods. Its strategic location near the intersection of major highways and navigable waterways allows for efficient connections to both the Port of Mobile and inland markets. For West Alabama's rural counties, the Port of Demopolis is a key link to domestic and international trade—supporting local industries while preserving the cost-effective advantage of river freight. As logistics expand statewide, strengthening Demopolis' infrastructure will be essential for boosting regional competitiveness and equity in economic development.

Montgomery Intermodal Facility: A Gamechanger for Central Alabama

The Montgomery Intermodal Facility will be a gamechanger for central Alabama. Looking ahead, the Montgomery Intermodal Facility, set to open in early 2027, will add even more capacity to Alabama's freight network. The CSX-served facility plans to provide direct rail connectivity to the Port of Mobile, which will dramatically improve shipping options for manufacturers and distributors across Central and South Alabama. Strategically located in the River Region, this intermodal hub will boost rural and urban economic development, attract new investment, and create hundreds of logistics and supply chain jobs.

Infrastructure is critical to economic development. As a business owner, site selector, commercial real estate developer, and economic development consultant, I understand that economic opportunity depends on smart, sustained investment in infrastructure. If we want to create good-paying jobs, support small businesses, and grow both urban and rural communities, we must:

Modernize and maintain the Port of Mobile and inland waterway systems

Invest in facilities like the Port of Guntersville, Port of Demopolis, Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility, and Port of Huntsville

Complete the Montgomery Intermodal Facility on time and on budget

Improve road, rail, and broadband connections to underserved areas

Expand workforce development in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management

These are concrete, achievable priorities that will shape Alabama's future for decades to come.

We have an opportunity to provide a connected future for all of our 67 counties. From Mobile to Montgomery and the Black Belt to Huntsville and Guntersville, Alabama's ports open doors to global markets and local economic vitality. They help small towns grow, keep our industries competitive, and ensure our people are prepared for what's next. Together, we can build a stronger Alabama by enhancing connections across land, rail, river, and sea. This strategic, long-term investment will foster economic growth and expand opportunities for every community.

By: Nicole J. Wadsworth, PhD, MBA, MS; Site Selector, Economic Development Consultant, and Republican Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama

Opinions expressed are those of the author alone and are not necessarily the views of trhe Alabama Gazette staff or publishers.