North Alabama port's rail lifts surge 22%

The Port of Huntsville in Alabama logged its second consecutive year of growth in cargo operations in 2024 and its best year for rail lifts since 2008, port officials announced last week.

The north Alabama inland port completed 22.3% more rail lifts in 2024 than the previous year, according to a port press release. The only inland port in north Alabama, Huntsville is equipped with a rail cargo terminal, ramp and 5-mile rail spur connected to a Norfolk Southern Railway mainline.

The port spent over $70 million on rail intermodal infrastructure in the last year, CEO Butch Roberts said.

“Thanks to Norfolk Southern service and our collaboration with 14 steamship companies, rail traffic has grown steadily year over year,” he said.