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Transportation Birmingham was founded at the crossing of two railroads and has been a vital transportation hub ever since. Located within a 500 mile drive to almost 70% of the U.S. metropolitan population, the area boasts four interstate railroads, more than 100 truck lines, five air cargo companies, and seven barge lines. The excellent highway system includes Interstates 20, 59, 65 and 459 along with U.S. Highways 11, 31, 78 and 280. The Birmingham International Airport continues to be a valuable asset to the Birmingham region and the State of Alabama. The airport handles more flights and air travelers than all of the other airports in the state combined. During 1999, more than 3 million people traveled through the airport. Six major airlines and four regional carriers offer nonstop or direct service to and from approximately 75 cities on 160 daily flights. The diversity of airline service has paid off in fares that are lower than those of larger Southern airports (an estimated 10% of BIA's passengers drive from Atlanta or Chattanooga to access lower rates). Birmingham International Airport has joined the list of major air cargo facilities in the U.S. Birmingham's location provides ideal access to not only the Southeast, but also Midwest, Eastern Seaboard, and the Caribbean basin. Nearly 50,000 tons of air cargo were handled in 1999, and the volume continues to increase. The airport's air cargo and transient facility features a modern eight-bay cargo building for quick and easy access to the Interstate Highway system. Rail, Trucking and Shipping The region is known for its excellent truck and rail services, and also as a major distribution center with a broad selection of professional freight forwarders, custom brokers, and a U.S. Customs Office located at the airport. The area is served by four interstate rail carriers, more than any other Southeastern city, and a local switching railroad. Two of the carriers provide inter-modal facilities. Goods are generally free of switching charges. Birmingham is the eastern terminus of the Santa Fe and Burlington Northern Railroads; thus, goods can be shipped virtually coast to coast through Birmingham without off loading. Amtrak provides rail passenger service on the Southern Crescent (New York - New Orleans). Port Birmingham, with seven barge lines, is the largest inland shipping center of general commodities of the Tennesse-Warrior-Tombigbee river systems. The port provides access north to mid-America through nearly 16,000 miles of inland waterways and south to the rest of the world through the Alabama Seaport.
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