Centrally located on the East Coast of the United States, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the Hampton Roads region is a prime location for international connectivity and global business. Our strategic location makes Hampton Roads uniquely situated to move people, cargo, and even data quickly and efficiently.
The Port of Virginia is the East Coast’s 3rd largest port, processing a total of 3.5 million TEUs in 2021, up 25% from the previous year. Spanning an area of 1,862 acres over six terminals, four within the region, this hub port services approximately 40 international container, breakbulk and roll-on/roll-off vessels on a weekly basis. An ideal location and infrastructure enable the Port to host nearly 30 international shipping lines, offering connections to more than 200+ countries around the world.
Equipped with advanced supporting infrastructure, such as Suez class cranes and 30 miles of on-dock track, it is prepared to handle any size ship in existence today and continues to transform itself for the future of shipping. In fact, the Port of Virginia is currently adding a new terminal; Craney Island. This terminal, to be completed by 2024, will have a depth of 55 feet, making it the deepest East Coast port.
Hampton Roads is served primarily by rail giants CSX and Norfolk Southern. Our ports create a perfect entry location for railway cargo distribution throughout the East Coast and Midwest. Efficient connections with other rail systems and motor carriers provide easy and affordable access to the rest of the U.S.
Norfolk Southern operates more than 21,200 miles of track, including 263 short line railroads in 22 states. Operations are focused in the southeast and Midwestern U.S., as well as Ontario, Canada. Of particular importance to many port users is the availability of Norfolk Southern’s Heartland Corridor connecting Hampton Roads with the Chicago area.
CSX offers a variety of rail, container-shipping, intermodal, trucking, barge, and contract logistics management services. With over 22,000 miles of track, CSX operates 240 short line railroads in 23 states, including the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. With operations along their I-95 Corridor, CSX ensures that the Hampton Roads area remains well connected.
Located well within a 30-minute commute of most business and residential areas in the region, Norfolk International (ORF) or Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF) airports provide air service for approximately four million passengers annually. Nine major airlines provide over 160 flights per day to 26 airports, of which 17 are major hubs and international gateways.
Norfolk International is also an air cargo hub, with two air cargo terminals with a total of 88,000 square feet of space for processing. Serviced by FedEx, United Parcel Service, and Mountain Air, ORF handles 60 million pounds of cargo annually.
Hampton Roads is located within one day’s drive of 47% of United States consumers, approximately 128 million individuals. The region is served by I-64, the major east/west highway system connecting the East Coast to the Mississippi River corridor and is less than one hour from I-85 and I-95, the major north/south interstate systems on the East Coast. Products move to and from the region efficiently through a modern interstate and state highway systems. Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel gives coastal highway traffic direct access to Hampton Roads and saves 90 miles to the New York/New Jersey corridor.
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