Transportation

Proximity is central to today's business model. Be it raw materials or end users you are looking to be near companies are looking to manage logistics costs as best possible. Meridian's transportation network affords companies a strategic location with numerous options for receiving product or shipping for delivery.

For 5 years running, a nationally recognized logistics consulting firm, Chicago Consulting has identified Meridian as one of the premier locations for distribution in the Southeast in its Warehouse Network Optimization Survey.

Below is an ariel photo of the Meridian I-20/59 Industrial Park at the onset of Handy Hardware Distribution Center construction taken in December 2009.

Highways

Mississippi has been recognized by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for having the 5th best highway system in the U.S. and the best among Southeastern states.

Meridian is home to 5 national LTL terminals and several regional trucking firms that create a competitive market for freight based in Meridian.

Railroads

Meridian's history is built on the railroad. Today, the community is served by four rail carriers, including two class one railroads, Norfolk Southern and Kansas City Southern.

In addition, two shortline railroads operate locally: the Meridian Southern serving industries south of Meridian and the Meridian and Bigbee which connects Lauderdale County to Montgomery, AL and the CSX.

Airport

Located at Key Field, the Meridian Regional Airport's 10,003 foot runway with two ILS approaches is the longest public-use runway in the state and is equipped to accommodate any size aircraft. Meridian Aviation, the local airport operated FBO, offers both fuel and maintenance services within a 17 hour a day schedule.

Commercial air service through Meridian is provided by ASA/The Delta Connection with two daily flights to Atlanta. From Meridian, you are only one stop to just about anywhere in the world.

Key Field is home to the U.S. Air National Guard's 186th Air to Air Refueling Wing. The 186th has 9 KC-135R refueling tankers with over 185 maintenance personnel on the tankers. Additionally, Boeing, with 40 employees, has a short term contract to modify 1/3 of the KC-135s in the Air Force. The current mission is scheduled to change at the end of 2011.

Water Ports

The state of Mississippi has navigable waterways on three of its four sides. In addition to the Mississippi River, the Tennessee Tombigbee Intercoastal Waterway provides nearby barge access for Meridian area companies. The nearest river ports are Demopolis, Alabama and Boligee, Alabama which are 35 and 45 miles away respectively. Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico has several container and break bulk ports within reach of Meridian. Mobile, Gulfport and New Orleans are three deepwater ports local companies use for international shipping.