Alabama’s prime location in the South and on the Gulf Coast grants it nearly unlimited access to the national and international markets. At the center of the fastest growing region within the U.S., Alabama sits within a one day drive to all of the South and its 125 million-plus residents. Availability at this scale has paved the way to some pretty astounding international trade achievements. Alabama is the home to over 425 foreign-based companies from more than 30 nations and exported goods to 196 countries in 2022—racking up nearly $25.5 billion in exports despite an unsteady global market.


Roads

Supplies, materials, personnel and products make their way to and from Alabama every day—and with seamless connections by land, sea and air, industries are connected to the rest of the nation and the globe. With 6 interstates totaling 1,130 miles and 19 U.S. highways totaling 3,850 miles, Alabama has the roads to get you where you need to go.



Airports

Alabama doesn’t only offer plentiful airports to get people to and from destinations around the world; it’s also home to cargo airports that transport goods. With 6 major airports, 90 public airports, 6 commercial airlines, and 7 commuter airlines, the state offers the exact aviation infrastructure and support you need. 

General Aviation Airport

Commuter Airport


Railroads

With over 3,000 miles of rail and 25 railroad companies, including six Class I railroad companies, Alabama delivers convenient and consistent transport access to surrounding markets.

CSX Transportation

Norfolk Southern

BNSF Railway Company

Kansas City Southern

Canadian National


Ports & Waterways

Thanks to a strategic location and well-connected ports, manufacturers and industries can seamlessly trade to and from Alabama. The Port of Mobile is conveniently situated along the Gulf Coast and serves as the ninth largest deepwater seaport in the U.S. The Port of Birmingham is located just 20 minutes away from five interstates—I-20, I-59, I-22, I-65, and I-459—and 25 minutes away from the BHM airport.

Port / Inland Dock

Why Alabama for your business?

Why Alabama?

Alabama is a state of makers, builders, and doers. So, whatever you make or build, you can do it in Alabama. We’re a launching point for aerospace, aviation, and defense. A leader in automotive production. A home for startups, technology, and research breakthroughs. And drawing on our manufacturing roots, we’re helping to usher in the industrial evolution in America.


Alabama’s prime location in the South and on the Gulf Coast grants it nearly unlimited access to the national and international markets. Alabama sits within a one day drive to all of the South and its nearly 150M residents.

Alabama’s strong workforce is a major attraction for businesses worldwide, driven by our commitment to skill development. Industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz and Airbus have benefited from on-site training programs in partnership with state workforce agencies; and our state’s focus on education and industrial training through colleges further strengthens Alabama’s appeal to businesses.


Alabama’s business approach is very inviting, offering global companies incentives, tax benefits, a skilled workforce, and excellent real estate options. Low taxes, affordable utilities, and a reasonable cost of living boost profits, and the state ensure ideal site locations and attractive incentives for long-term success in Alabama.

Alabama’s Business Development Division actively seeks corporate investors, promotes global expansion for local companies, supports small businesses, and collaborates with various stakeholders for comprehensive investor support. The state also engages with communities to enhance competitiveness and contribute significantly to Alabama’s economic growth strategy, making the state attractive to investors, businesses, and job seekers.