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Market Access
Interstate and Highways
The Upstate of South Carolina has over 14,000 miles of state and county-maintained highways. Among these are several major interstate systems, including interstate I-85, which is the backbone of the manufacturing region, interstate I-26 connects Greenville to the south, allowing access to the South Carolina ports, and interstate I-185, also known as the Southern Connector.
Airports
South Carolina’s largest airport, the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), is the primary aviation facility in the Upstate. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Fountain Inn on I-85, GSP provides both passenger and cargo service. The airport handles more than 2 million passengers annually and is served by five passenger airlines and four cargo airlines.
In addition, the major commercial air hubs of Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL) are approximately 2 hours and 2.5 hours away, respectively.
Rail Service
Greenville County is served by two major railroads, Norfolk-Southern and CSX Transportation, and a short-line railroad, Carolina Piedmont. Norfolk-Southern provides direct service to the Port of Charleston. All major metropolitan areas in the United States are accessible within three to six days by rail.
Port of Charleston
As one of the busiest container ports in the nation, the Port of Charleston handles an average of six vessels each day, carrying cargo with more than $150 million. The Port offers the deepest channels in the region – capable of accommodating 8,000teu ships – and provides convenient access to global markets.
Inland Port – Greer
A full-service port terminal located in Greer, SC, 212 miles inland from the Port of Charleston. The Inland Port is operated by the SC Ports Authority as a container yard and exclusive daily rail service is provided by Norfolk Southern to the Port of Charleston.