Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports and CSX today announced the arrival of the Queen City Express. This intermodal rail service, with best-in-class transit times, will traverse the existing CSX Class I network between the Port of Wilmington and CSX’s intermodal terminal in Charlotte, N.C. “The return of intermodal rail to the Port of Wilmington expands our reach into an underserved market,” said Executive Director, Paul J. Cozza. “The Queen City Express will provide premier rail service over competing ports for existing and future container customers.” The Queen City Express service will initiate in September and be the only direct service into the Greater Charlotte area from a port in the U.S. Southeast. This double stacked train is a non-stop, overnight service with availability of containers at the Charlotte Inland Terminal owned by North Carolina Ports. “Our customers constantly remind us of the need for intermodal rail service,” said Chief Commercial Officer, Greg Fennell. “Now, we not only have a direct connection into Charlotte but we’ll also have access to a transformational, state-of-the-art intermodal rail terminal in Eastern North Carolina – the Carolina Connector.” The Carolina Connector (CCX) was announced this morning in Rocky Mount, N.C. This critical infrastructure project will serve as a key transportation hub in the Southeast for containerized freight. CCX along with the Queen City Express will lower transportation costs for businesses while taking trucks off the road, thus reducing emissions, improving road safety and minimizing wear and tear on the State’s highways. North Carolina’s Ports are direct beneficiaries of both rail announcements and represent its commitment to improve upon its operational efficiencies, to keep cargo moving and to remain congestion free. “CSX is proud to partner with the State of North Carolina to bring this transformational project to Eastern North Carolina which will provide cheaper, faster and more environmentally-friendly connections for North Carolina’s businesses and ports to domestic and international markets,” said CSX Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Ward. “CCX will create jobs and spur economic development in the region, positioning Eastern North Carolina as a transportation and logistics hub in the south.”  When completed, the Port of Wilmington will have direct, daily service to the CCX hub connecting intermodal customers throughout CSX’s entire network. This service provides a substantial advantage for North Carolina Ports as first-class, intermodal connections will be available for its beneficial cargo owners and carriers alike. “North Carolina Ports recently proved it was big-ship ready with the calling of the Hanjin Baltimore,” said Chairman Tom Adams. “The introduction of the Queen City Express and CCX represent the final pieces of the puzzle.”  North Carolina’s Ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and in Greensboro, link the state's consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new business and industry while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. Port activities contribute statewide to 76,000 jobs and $700 million each year in state and local tax revenues.