Mobile, AL Railyards

Major Gulf Coast rail gateway linking the Port of Mobile with CSX, Canadian National, and regional short lines, handling over 146 million tons of freight annually and driving nearly $100 billion in statewide economic impact

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

Tall skyscrapers dominate an aerial view of Mobile Alabama illuminated at dusk A modern waterfront scene features historic

The Port of Mobile Rail Terminal, operated by the Alabama Port Authority, features the McDuffie Coal Terminal, Choctaw Point Intermodal Container Terminal, and multiple bulk and breakbulk facilities. CSX and Canadian National provide Class I rail service, connecting Mobile to national and international markets for containers, coal, forest products, and automotive cargo.

A long gray freight train travels on a sunny track through rural Alabama fields and the train appears to be operated by the

Mobile’s intermodal infrastructure includes the Choctaw Point Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, offering seamless transfer between marine, rail, and truck modes. The new Montgomery ICTF, directly linked to Mobile by CSX, expands inland reach and supports high-volume containerized freight movement.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The Port of Mobile and its rail network handled 146.9 million tons of freight in 2023, supporting 351,359 jobs and generating $98.3 billion in economic impact statewide. The port’s activities contribute $22.5 billion in annual income and $2.4 billion in tax revenue, ranking Mobile among the top U.S. Gulf Coast logistics hubs.

Competitive Landscape

CSX Rail Terminals: RailPort Logistics Mobile and Choctaw Point ICTF provide direct Class I rail access for containers and bulk cargo
Canadian National: Direct mainline service connects Mobile to Midwest and Canadian markets for automotive, forest products, and chemicals
Short Line Connections: Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks and Alabama Export Railroad link regional industries to national rail networks

Opportunities

Inland Port Expansion: Montgomery ICTF increases container throughput and extends Mobile’s reach to central Alabama manufacturers
Industrial Development: RailPort Logistics Mobile’s 500+ acre site attracts new manufacturing and distribution investments
Port Deepening: Ongoing harbor deepening enables larger vessels and higher cargo volumes, boosting rail demand

Challenges

Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Urban rail corridors and port approaches face congestion during peak periods
Weather Vulnerability: Gulf Coast hurricanes and flooding can disrupt rail and port operations
Labor Availability: Tight labor markets challenge rail and terminal staffing for expanding operations

Trade and Logistics Trends

Containerized Freight: Double-digit annual growth in container volumes driven by automotive and manufacturing exports
Bulk Commodities: Coal, chemicals, and forest products remain core rail cargoes for regional and global markets
Inland Connectivity: New intermodal links extend Mobile’s reach to Montgomery, Birmingham, and the Southeast

Future Outlook

Terminal Expansions: Montgomery ICTF and RailPort Logistics Mobile will boost container and industrial rail capacity
Technology Integration: Advanced cargo tracking and automation improve efficiency and supply chain visibility
Sustainability Initiatives: Rail and port operators invest in emissions reduction and green logistics solutions

Recommendations

Capacity Upgrades: Expand mainline and terminal trackage to accommodate projected freight growth and vessel sizes
Workforce Development: Partner with local institutions to train and retain skilled rail and logistics personnel
Resilience Planning: Enhance infrastructure to withstand hurricanes, flooding, and climate-related disruptions

Mobile, AL

Primary railyard facility

Mobile anchors the Gulf Coast’s rail network, connecting the Southeast, Midwest, and Canada through Class I and short line railroads, and serving a metropolitan region of over 600,000 with direct links to major U.S. and international markets.

Strategic Locations

Strategically located at the northern Gulf of Mexico, Mobile serves as a critical gateway for U.S. exports and imports, with direct rail corridors to the Midwest, Southeast, and Canadian markets via CSX and Canadian National, and immediate access to Interstate 10.

Industrial Focus

Mobile’s rail-served industries include automotive manufacturing, chemicals, forest products, steel, and agribusiness. Distribution centers and logistics parks support regional supply chains, with automotive and chemical sectors accounting for over 40% of rail volume.

Where you'll go

Things to know

Rail Operations

Rail Gateway Legacy: Mobile’s first rail connection dates to 1861, establishing it as a historic Gulf Coast freight hub

Facilities & Services

Deepwater Advantage: Only U.S. Gulf port with a 50-foot channel, enabling access for the world’s largest vessels

Location Benefits

Automotive Corridor: Alabama’s auto industry relies on Mobile’s rail and port for exports and inbound parts logistics

Additional Information

Innovation Ecosystem: Ongoing investments in intermodal and digital infrastructure drive supply chain modernization