Birmingham's location provides ideal access to not only the Southeast, but also the Midwest, Eastern Seaboard, and the Caribbean basin. Nearly 50,000 tons of air cargo was handled in 1997, and the volume continues to increase. The region is known for its excellent truck and rail service, and also as a major distribution center with a broad selection of professional freight forwarders, custom brokers, and a U. S. Customs office located at the airport. The area is served by four interstate rail carriers, more than any other Southeastern city, and a local switching railroad. Two of the carriers provide intermodal facilities.
Goods are generally free of switching charges.