Transportation & Infrastructure

Port-dependent businesses locating in South Carolina gain a strategic advantage from the Charleston region’s integrated port and rail infrastructure.

Managed by SC Ports, the Port of Charleston is recognized for operational expertise across a wide range of cargo types, including containerized freight, breakbulk, rolling stock, and cruise operations. The port ranks as the 8th largest container port in the United States and operates the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast, regularly accommodating vessels of approximately 14,000 TEUs with drafts up to 52 feet. This deepwater capability allows businesses to access larger ships, improving shipping efficiency and cost competitiveness.

Global reach is a defining strength of the Port of Charleston. The port serves more than 150 countries through 14 global ocean carrier container lines, providing competitive, multi-carrier access to every major trade lane. This breadth of service reduces risk, increases scheduling flexibility, and supports resilient supply chains.

Rail connectivity further strengthens the region’s logistics profile. The Port of Charleston features daily express intermodal and merchandise rail services through both CSX and Norfolk Southern. Each operates large, well-equipped rail yards in the region, with dedicated intermodal trains serving key domestic markets. Additionally, SC Ports also operates several inland ports and container facilities with rail access — offering overnight rail routes to the Port of Charleston and enabling regional manufacturers, exporters, and distributors to move cargo efficiently between inland operations and global markets.

With competitive electricity rates, reliable fiber telecom, and abundant water-resilient infrastructure, the Charleston region gives energy-intensive operations the confidence to run without disruption and scale for global competition.

Power generation across South Carolina draws from nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, biomass, and solar, creating a balanced system designed for reliability. Four established providers serve the area, offering redundancy, flexibility, and dependable service:

• Dominion Energy
• Santee Cooper
• Berkeley Electric Cooperative
• Edisto Electric Cooperative

For businesses, this means dependable power today and room to grow tomorrow. Just as important, South Carolina’s industrial electricity rates consistently rank among the lowest in the United States, running roughly 20–25 percent below the national average, helping companies stay competitive while managing long-term operating costs.

An abundant, high-quality freshwater supply drawn from local lakes, rivers, and reservoirs further extends our region’s capacity to meet the current and future needs of our businesses — while eliminating the cost and complexity of sourcing water elsewhere.

Serving as a gateway for business travel and logistics, Charleston International Airport (CHS) creates a powerful advantage for companies in the region. In 2025, CHS set a record with more than 6.3 million passengers — making it the state’s busiest airport and a key hub for commerce and tourism alike.

Fourteen major airlines, including prominent carriers like Delta, American, Southwest, Breeze, United, and JetBlue, give business travelers options and flexibility, supporting more than 100 daily flights and over 60 nonstop connections to cities across North America. The airport’s expanding route network strengthens corporate travel, client access, and executive mobility for companies with global engagements.

Charleston’s air cargo offerings are also growing. Cargo facilities at CHS are supported by carriers such as FedEx’s CHS Ramp, Atlas Air,  Delta Cargo and Alaska Air Cargo, with freight handling and logistics services that help regional businesses move goods efficiently by air.

For executive and corporate aviation, several general aviation airports serve the area’s business community:

• Berkeley County Airport
• Charleston Executive Airport (FBO Atlantic Aviation)
• Dorchester County Airport (Summerville)
• Dorchester County Airport (St. George)
• Mount Pleasant Regional Airport-Faison Field

CARTA is the primary public transit provider for the Charleston metro area, offering 17 fixed bus routes, three to four commuter routes, and three free DASH shuttles downtown. With 862 bus stops, CARTA serves 4 million annual riders, making it the largest public transit system in South Carolina. Students ride free while seniors can take advantage of reduced fares, and in the summer, dedicated beach shuttles make it easy to access our stunning shores and enjoy a day by the water.

The TriCounty Link keeps the larger region connected, providing services to rural residents in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Operating since 1996, the TriCounty Link consists of 11 regular fixed routes, two commuter routes, and the Link 2 Lunch service, a free shuttle service that runs during typical lunch hours. All TriCounty Link vehicles are wheelchair accessible and meet ADA requirements, and for even more support, the Link offers an ADA deviated route service for individuals unable to use the flag-stop bus system. Plus, it’s free to transfer from the Link to the CARTA, allowing use between rural and urban transport systems for the price of one fare.

Looking ahead, the Charleston region is set to benefit from South Carolina’s first mass transit system, the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) by 2030. This modern bus rapid transit system will connect our communities with key destinations and employment centers, offering a safe, low-cost new mobility alternative to tens-of-thousands of residents across Charleston, North Charleston, and Ladson. Projected to provide 21 hours of weekday service as frequently as every 10 minutes across 20 stations along the route, the system will also employ advanced technology to ensure reliable and comfortable rides, including:

• Wi-Fi equipped stations
• Stoplight signal priority
• Digital station displays with real-time information and maps
• Updated wayfinding and corridor lighting
• Off-board fare payment

Charleston’s powerful infrastructure supports everything from Google’s state-of-the-art data center to Daimler’s world-class manufacturing operation. With highly advanced and reliable telecommunications, abundant and affordable electricity, and plentiful water and wastewater capacity, Charleston provides your company a true competitive edge.

Global & Sustainable Energy

The Dominion Energy Innovation Center at Clemson University’s Charleston Campus houses technology that can simulate the electrical grid of any country in the world, as well as the world’s most-advanced wind-turbine drivetrain testing facility. Research conducted here aims to broaden the knowledge and use of renewable energy such as wind and solar power. This campus is also a partner in the SC NEXUS Advanced Energy Tech Hub, one of 31 hubs nationwide as designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2023.

Telecommunications

Charleston’s telecommunications infrastructure includes extensive fiber optic and IP-based networks delivering highly reliable voice, data, and wireless connectivity. Gigabit-capable service is widely available across commercial corridors, industrial parks, and employment centers. Redundant fiber routing and resilient network architecture support continuous communications, allowing businesses to maintain operations even during service disruptions.