The development of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County are closely linked to transportation.Native Americans and early European hunters used Pilot Mountain as a guide along a path through this area. Later, in the 1700s, the Moravians used the Great Wagon Road, a Colonial trail that stretched from Philadelphia to Georgia to settle here. In the early 1900s, as Winston-Salem became an industrial hub along the East Coast, railroads helped connect the area to the rest of the nation. And  in the 70's & 80's, Winston-Salem became a center of passenger air service as Piedmont Airlines emerged as one of the leading airlines in the United States, and was subseuqently bought by US Airways in 1989.

Today, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and the Piedmont Triad are home to a wide range of transportation, logistics, and distribution assets that combine to form a thriving economic cluster.

In the fourth quarter of 2005, over 7,200 people in Forsyth County were employed in the local logistics industry (NAICS Codes = 481, 484, 488, 492, 493). And about 29,000 people were employed in logistics throughout the Piedmont Triad.

An extensive interstate and highway network to an international airport to numerous transportation and logistics companies, our community has a strong foundation to further develop this industry. In addition to its current employment, the logistics industry is projected to grow significantly in the near term both nationally and locally. With the continued increase in international trade and in the use of just-in-time manufacturing principles, the corresponding need to transport and track goods will only increase.

Winston-Salem's convenient East Coast location, its excellent and improving interstate access, and the opening of the FedEx hub in 2009, all help make this an area where logistic companies can flourish.

LAND
An efficient and growing interstate system provides Winston-Salem and Forsyth County with direct access to major markets across the United States. Interstate 40 and the future I-74 corridor both pass directly through Forsyth County. Additionally, I-77, I-85, I-95, I-81 and the future I-73 corridor are all less than two hours away from Forsyth County via I-40 and the future I-74.

AIR
Smith-Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem is located near downtown Winston-Salem and serves largely corporate and private aircraft. Smith-Reynolds Airport has been recently approved by the FAA for commercial passenger service.

Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport is the region's main commercial passenger and cargo airport and is located about 20 minutes east of downtown Winston-Salem, off I-40. PTI is currently undergoing about $500 million in improvements, including the construction of a second runway, which will accomodate the opening of FedEx's mid-Atlantic hub scheduled for 2009.

RAIL
Winston-Salem is served by three railroads, Norfolk Southern, Winston-Salem Southbound (which connects with CSX south of Charlotte) and Yadkin Valley Railroad. A bulk freight transfer station is also located here, allowing companies to receive product via rail and have it trucked to their plant site.

SEA
Wilmington and Morehead City are North Carolina's two deepwater ports. Both ports are located just over 200 miles from Winston-Salem. Many of the East Coast's major ports, such as Charleston, Savannah, and Norfolk, are less than a half-days drive from Winston-Salem. An intermodal facility run by the North Carolina State Ports Authority is adjacent to Piedmont Triad International Airport, 20 minutes east of Winston-Salem via I-40.

For details contact Bret Marchant, bmarchant@winstonsalem.com, 336-728-9227