Gaston Has Superb Transportation Access

Superb transportation access is one of Gaston County’s greatest advantages.

In addition to numerous land and air connections, Gaston provides a direct rail link to North Carolina’s seaports with the state’s rail-based Intermodal Terminal Network. Charlotte’s Foreign Trade Zone is close by. All of this means quicker, more cost-efficient transport of people and goods for your business.

Major Highways

North Carolina has the largest state-maintained highway system in the nation, totaling over 78,000 miles. A Gaston County business location provides same-day highway access to all Eastern US markets.

Three of North Carolina’s five interstate highways run through, or are minutes away from, Gaston County: Interstates 40, 85, and 77.

Gaston County also has three major US highways and eight major state highways.

Charlotte's International Airport Is Just Minutes Away From Gaston County

Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is just minutes east of Gaston County – even closer than many Charlotte locations.

  • Charlotte’s airport is served by ten major and seven commuter airlines, with over 640 scheduled commercial departures daily.
  • This puts 32 of the East Coast’s "million plus" population centers within a two-hour flight time, as well as many cross-country and international flights.
  • Many companies choose a Gaston location partly because of this superb air access.
  • Gastonia Municipal Airport also provides general aviation service without the heavy traffic of Charlotte/Douglas.

Railways and Ports

North Carolina is the hub of an East Coast rail network with 3,600 miles of track throughout the state.

  • Gaston County is served by three major railways.
  • Local Railway Revitalization
  • North Carolina’s Intermodal Terminal Network provides better, less expensive, and more convenient inland transportation services for cargo shipment to and from the port of Wilmington, NC. The network consolidates import and export cargo to this port from its’ two inland terminals, Charlotte and Greensboro, resulting in substantial cost savings.
  • More than 50 trucking companies also provide freight services to Gaston.
Foreign Trade Zone Saves Customs Duty

Charlotte’s Foreign Trade Zone is a site where foreign and domestic merchandise is generally considered by the US government as being outside the U.S. Customs territory in international commerce.

This reduces or eliminates U.S. Customs duty or excise taxes for certain uses. Other savings are also possible. Contact the Gaston EDC for details.

More Transportation Information

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© 2008, Gaston County Economic Development Commission, P O Box 2339, Gastonia, NC 28053-2339 USA
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