Daily Charleston–Huntsville intermodal service expands the port’s inland reach
South Carolina Ports and Norfolk Southern launched daily direct intermodal rail service between Charleston and Huntsville on September 11, 2026. SC Ports says the service is effective immediately and extends the Port of Charleston’s reach into North Alabama and Middle Tennessee.
Importers serving North Alabama or Middle Tennessee should no longer compare Charleston only as a port-adjacent drayage and truck gateway. A valid network model now includes the option to keep containers intact for intermodal rail to Huntsville, then place inventory into an inland 3PL closer to demand. The right choice depends on rail linehaul, terminal and dray costs at both ends, inventory dwell, delivery promise, and whether the inland node can support the required parcel, retail, B2B, or replenishment workflows.