TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

Upstate South Carolina’s central location within the booming Southeastern United States provides access to major markets, raw materials and growing industries. The infrastructure in Upstate SC supports seamless movement of goods and people across highways, ports, rail and air. Companies here have access to the deepest post on the East Coast as well as interstate and rail connecting to more than 102 million consumers in a day’s drive. In the Upstate, infrastructure doesn’t just support business, it accelerates it.

By Land

Modern and well-maintained road networks make it easy and cost effective for companies in Upstate SC to reach major markets, ports, and suppliers.

• I-85 runs through Upstate South Carolina, connecting the region to Atlanta and Charlotte.
• I-26 provides direct highway access to the Port of Charleston, one of the top ports in the U.S.
• Upstate SC highways offer one-day truck access to 31% of the U.S. population.

By Air

The airport serving Greenville and the surrounding areas, officially known as Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), offers Upstate residents and businesses year-round flights to 20 cities and 23 airports, with easy connections to hundreds of destinations worldwide and seasonal service to six additional destinations.

In 2024, The Airport Council International recognized GSP as the “Best Airport in North America” with 2-5 million yearly passengers, along with 4 other awards naming it the “Easiest,” “Cleanest” and “Most Enjoyable Airport” in North America, as well as having the “Most Dedicated Staff.”

When it comes to business operations, this Greenville airport stands out among other airports in South Carolina by offering:

• The only scheduled nonstop international air cargo service in the Carolinas with regular flights to Germany, Mexico, China, Korea, and Columbia.
• Cargo operations supported by FedEx and UPS, as well as commercial all cargo carriers such as Maersk, Magma, National, Silkway West, Cargojet, and more.
• 160,000 SF cargo facility and a 34 acre apron that can accommodate up to six Boeing 747-800 aircraft simultaneously.
• 10,000 SF that has been prepped for future cool chain commodity support.
• 1,500 acres of development-ready land surrounding the terminal, ideal for logistics and advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is less than 1.5 hours from the center of the Upstate, and even closer from Cherokee and Spartanburg counties. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is within a 2-3 hour drive time from the Upstate.

By Sea

Ports in South Carolina, including the Port of Charleston and Inland Port Greer, provide a strong competitive advantage for companies in the Upstate.

The Port of Charleston, just 3.5 hours away from downtown Greenville, is the deepest seaport in the Southeast, known for the most productive crane moves per hour and a 23-minute average gate mission turn time. It was ranked the #2 Top Performing Port by Business Facilities in 2024, and the #7 Top Container Port by TEUs by Business Facilities in 2024.

Located next to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Inland Port Greer is an intermodal rail hub served by the Norfolk Southern mainline, providing a direct connection to the Port of Charleston. It can handle up to 300,000 rail lifts annually and is projected to meet customer demand through 2040. This convenient shipping option strengthens the freight-forwarding and export capabilities of businesses throughout Upstate South Carolina.

By Rail

Whether your company is receiving raw materials or shipping finished goods, having easy access to well-connected rail infrastructure saves time and money. Upstate SC is served by major providers CSX and Norfolk Southern, with additional short-line rail services supporting industrial operations across the region.

By the Grid and Beyond

Reliable, modern, affordable utilities power Upstate South Carolina’s thriving industrial base. Reliable electricity service across South Carolina is powered by a diverse energy mix that includes nuclear, hydroelectric, coal, and solar sources. A majority of the Upstate’s electricity comes from carbon-neutral sources.

The state’s competitive electricity pricing, offered through providers like Duke Energy and local cooperatives, keeps utility costs far below the national average and lower than surrounding states.

The PowerSC Energy Resources and Economic Development Interagency Working Group was established to ensure energy capacity for the state’s population and economic growth. The group’s work will include updating the statewide energy plan, facilitating coordination between utility providers, and identifying opportunities to improve state licensing and permitting processes related to energy infrastructure. See more on PowerSC.