Transportation & Utilities

Transportation + Utilities

Here are a few of the key logistics advantages of locating in Richland County:

  • Accessible to four major airports (Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), Charleston International (CHS), Hartsfield Jackson International (ATL)
  • Federal Trade Zone 127 & cargo air hubs (located at CAE)
  • Three major interstates (I-20, I-26, I-77)
  • Two major rail providers (Norfolk Southern, CSX)
  • Two major ports nearby (Port of Charleston, Port of Savannah)
  • 22 Minute average commute in the County

Impact on Business

Richland County offers a combination of easy-to-access interstates, airports, rail providers, and ports.These assets provide your company with greater efficiency and accessibility, faster speed-to-market for products, better market access to suppliers and end users, and expands your reach to a larger labor pool of skilled workers.

Industries + Announcements
Interstates + Highways

Three major interstates– I-20, I-26, I-77 – converge in the heart of our community, creating logistical advantages for businesses and residents alike. These interstates provide direct and efficient access throughout South Carolina, along the East Coast and into the Central U.S., making it ideal for commercial shipping, freight movement, and supply chain operations. For residents and commuters, the network drives greater convenience to job opportunities within Richland County, making daily commutes more efficient and reliable.

Airports

Richland County is surrounded by an abundance of high-quality airport transport to meet both commercial and passenger needs. Centrally-located Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) provides convenient regional and national connectivity with benefits like FTZ 127, the state’s largest air cargo operation, a UPS Air Hub and Fedex; while the County-owned Owens Field Airport supports general aviation and business travel. For international flights, residents and businesses benefit from easy access to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, just a short drive away, as well as proximity to Charleston International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta international airports.

Rail

A robust network of rail helps support a steady flow of goods into and out of Richland County. Supported largely by major freight providers CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, more than 2,300 miles of track traverse the state with spurs and connection points available at and near numerous industrial properties throughout our community. Intermodal facilities in Charleston and Charlotte increase efficiency and ease by streamlining your transportation needs.

Ports

Within just a few hours, your containers can reach two of the nation’s top-ranked ports – Port of Charleston and Port of Savannah. These deepwater ports are among the most efficient along the East Coast, optimizing your shipping needs to limit downtime, demurrage costs and disruptions to your logistics flow.

66% of the US accessible in a day’s drive

Some sites within Richland County are rail-accessible

22 minute average commute in the county

Your business aims to make money,
not constantly spend it – especially on overhead costs.

Utility partners throughout the Columbia region work collaboratively with industries to negotiate competitive pricing, achieve project timeline goals, and more, taking the load off your shoulders so you can focus on critical operations, innovation, and growing your bottom line.

Lower industrial electric retail price than the national average (2024)

Low gas prices

SC’s industrial natural gas prices are on par with the average price of other Southern states.

Utility Partners

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Gas + Electric

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Electric

Midlands

Electric

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Water + Wastewater

Telecom

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Telecom

Tri-County

Electric

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