Distribution & Logistics

Shipping & Handling Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads is strategically located in the heart of the mid-Atlantic, which lends significant logistical advantages to the region. Its convenient and accessible transportation infrastructure, including the acclaimed Port of Virginia, provides multiple options for moving goods between national and international markets. Hampton Roads is also home to two international airports, two Class I rail services, and a robust interstate and highway network. The region is currently investing $11 billion in land transportation infrastructure including over $5.8 billion in interstate system expansion and improvements.

Infrastructure

Port

3rd Largest Port on the East Coast

Air

2 International Airports - 3.8 Million + Annual Passengers

Rail

2 Class I Rail Services - Norfolk Southern and CSX

Road

Connected to 47% of the US within an 11-hour drive

Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia is the 3rd busiest port on the East Coast of the United States, processing 2.80 million TEUs annually. It has a depth of 50 feet, which will soon be expanded to 55 feet by 2024, making it the deepest channel on the East Coast. Only 2.5 hours to open sea, it offers 15 weekly vessel calls to and from Asia, and 13 to and from Europe.

Norfolk Southern + CSX

Hampton Roads is serviced by two Class I rail providers, Norfolk Southern and CSX. These historic rail lines have long served as an important connection to Hampton Roads with major cities across the United States and Canada.

Highways

I-64, 1-264, and I-664 are the major interstate systems in Hampton Roads. These routes connect directly Interstate 95 and Rt 58/ 460 providing a reach to 2/3rds of the United States population in only 24 hours.

ORF + PHF

The region has two local airports, Norfolk International (ORF) and Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF), which provide air service to over 3 million passengers annually and 60 million pounds of cargo.

Foreign Trade Zone

Hampton Roads is located within FTZ- 20, a Foreign Trade Zone, providing the following benefits to Distributors:

Industry Spotlight: Ace Hardware

In 2011, Ace Hardware opened their first East Coast Import Re- Distribution Center in Suffolk, Virginia. Ace Hardware’s network of distribution centers allows the company to efficiently distribute their products to over 5,000 nationwide stores, and the Suffolk location is essential for keeping the East Coast stores stocked. One of the most important considerations in the decision was the proximity to the Port of Virginia and its unparalleled modernization and efficiency. Ace’s decision represented $140M in capital investment and absorbed more than 336,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space. Building on their success, Ace announced an expansion in 2017 that added 138,000 sq. ft. to their Suffolk facility.