America's
Gulf Gateway
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Powering Global Trade Through a Unified
U.S. Logistics Gateway
The Alabama Port Authority delivers one of the most direct global access points in the United States—anchored by the deepwater Port of Mobile and extended through a fully integrated network of inland river terminals, rail hubs, and the high-velocity MAX (Mobile America Express) service line. As the statewide logistics steward, we provide the strategy, infrastructure, and connectivity that accelerate trade flows, strengthen supply chains, and move cargo seamlessly from port to inland markets across the nation.
We empower every port and terminal in our system—coastal, inland, and intermodal—to operate with agility while aligning to a shared mission: expanding economic opportunity through world-class, multimodal logistics. When you work with the Alabama Port Authority, you’re not just accessing a port—you’re tapping into a coordinated, scalable, globally connected logistics ecosystem built for competitive advantage.
Mobile America Express
Born at the Port of Mobile and built for the Heart of America, MAX is the Alabama Port Authority’s high-efficiency freight corridor—connecting global trade to inland markets with speed, reliability, and scale. Powered by deepwater access, Class I rail, interstate highways, local air freight, and inland terminals, MAX delivers seamless logistics from port to production line.
Explore the Port
Facilities
The Port of Mobile offers state-of-the-art terminals, deepwater berths, and modern infrastructure supporting global trade across diverse cargo sectors.
Solutions
Seamless connectivity through rail, interstate, and inland waterway networks ensures efficient, multimodal cargo movement from ship to shore to store.
About
As a vital Gulf gateway, the Alabama Port Authority connects inland markets across middle America to international commerce and opportunity.
Powering Alabama's Economy
One Shipment at a Time
From 2019 to 2024, marine cargo activity at Alabama Port Authority’s public and private terminals generated over $415.8 billion in total U.S. economic value delivered to our state. This extraordinary impact fuels Alabama’s economy—driving job creation, state revenue, and sustained growth for communities across the region.
Delivering for Alabama
By Doug Otto
Director & CEO, Alabama Port Authority
When most people picture the Port, they see ships along the waterfront and cranes rising over the skyline in Mobile. What they may not see is the bigger picture: the Alabama Port Authority connects all 67 counties in our state to the world through a vast network of infrastructure and supply chain assets.
“Delivering for Alabama” is more than a tagline. It is our mission.
Alabama’s only deep-water seaport is not simply a coastal asset. It is a statewide economic engine. And this week, we rolled out some new changes to strengthen this reality.
For decades, the Port of Mobile has been recognized as one of Alabama’s most powerful economic drivers. It will always remain our flagship gateway to global trade. But the system we operate today extends far beyond the waterfront. Through rail corridors, inland waterways, interstate highways, airports, and intermodal facilities, Alabama’s port network supports communities and industries across the entire state.
As our reach has grown, it has become essential that we reflect that broader responsibility.
To some, a brand update may seem cosmetic. For us, it represents clarity — about who we are and who we serve. The Alabama Port Authority exists to drive economic growth, connect global commerce, and strengthen communities across this state. Our refreshed identity makes that mission unmistakable.
Anchored by a new “A” icon, the updated brand symbolizes Alabama itself — stewardship, unity, and a commitment to serve the entire state. It reinforces that our responsibility is not limited to one city or one region. It is shared by every community that depends on reliable infrastructure to compete and grow.
Modern economic development depends on connectivity. Companies invest where they can move goods efficiently. Communities prosper when they have dependable access to markets. States succeed when their logistics systems are integrated, resilient, and forward-looking.
To better communicate how Alabama’s port, rail, roadway, waterway, and air connections work together, we introduced Mobile America Express, or MAX. This service platform organizes our multimodal strengths into a unified system that connects the Gulf Coast to the heart of America.
MAX is not a new direction. It is a clearer expression of what already exists — a coordinated network that links the Port of Mobile to inland Alabama and beyond. It highlights how our infrastructure works together to create opportunity statewide.
That opportunity is tangible.
Farmers in the Black Belt rely on export access to compete in global markets. Manufacturers in North Alabama depend on efficient supply chains. Steel producers in Birmingham, timber operations in Southwest Alabama, and distribution centers in Central Alabama all benefit from reliable connections to customers across the country and around the world.
When Alabama businesses can reach global markets, they grow. When rural producers can export efficiently, local economies strengthen. When advanced manufacturers have dependable logistics, they expand here rather than elsewhere.
Our vision is to position Alabama as a leader in global commerce by building the most efficient, innovative, and sustainable port ecosystem in the nation. Achieving that vision requires continued investment in infrastructure — and clarity in how we present our unified system to the world.
The refreshed brand ensures that when people hear “Alabama Port Authority,” they understand it represents a statewide network working on behalf of every Alabamian.
Delivering for Alabama means delivering opportunity — from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley and everywhere in between. It means ensuring that no matter where you live, your community is connected to the global economy.
Alabama Port Authority Launches New Initiative, Logo to Grow State’s Economy
New platform and logo reinforces Port’s role as a statewide economic driver and Alabama’s strategic position in the global supply chain.
MOBILE, Ala. — The Alabama Port Authority today announced a strategic brand evolution and the launch of a new service platform, Mobile America Express (MAX) — initiatives designed to strengthen the Port’s role as a catalyst for economic development statewide and promote Alabama’s strategic position in the global supply chain.
As Alabama’s only deep-water seaport and the gateway to a growing network of inland logistics assets, the Alabama Port Authority supports industries, communities, and jobs statewide. From farmers in the Black Belt to manufacturers in North Alabama and distribution centers in Central Alabama, the Port connects local businesses to national and international markets. The new MAX initiative and logo will serve to emphasize not just the Port’s strengths, but Alabama’s advantages in logistics, developable properties, and workforce capabilities.
“Our responsibility is not limited to the waterfront in Mobile,” said Doug Otto, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. “We are Alabama’s port — serving all 67 counties — and our infrastructure supports economic opportunity in every corner of our state. This new focus highlights our strongest assets – the deepest port in the Gulf, unparalleled connectivity through rail, highways, and inland waterways, and a workforce that can surpass businesses’ needs today and in the future.”
The evolution includes a refreshed visual identity, a unified brand architecture that clarifies the relationship between the Alabama Port Authority and the Port of Mobile, and a fully redesigned website that better supports customers, partners, and communities statewide.
At the center of the rollout is a new service line called the Mobile America Express, or MAX, that organizes the Port’s multimodal capabilities into a single, coordinated platform. MAX connects deep-water access in Mobile with rail, inland waterways, highways, airports and intermodal facilities extending into the state and beyond.
MAX is not simply about moving cargo — it is about expanding opportunity and equipping partners statewide to sell the infrastructure assets that Alabama has to offer.
Through five Class I rail connections, the inland waterway system, air connections, and the convergence of Interstates 10 and 65, Alabama’s port system provides businesses across the state with competitive access to global markets. That connectivity strengthens rural exports, supports advanced manufacturing, attracts distribution investment, and reinforces Alabama’s position as a logistics leader in the Southeast.
“Economic development today depends on infrastructure,” Otto said. “That infrastructure is our greatest strength. When Alabama businesses have reliable access to global markets, communities grow, jobs expand, and our state becomes more competitive.”
The Alabama Port Authority continues to invest in terminal expansions, intermodal facilities, and inland connectivity, ensuring the state remains positioned for long-term growth in global commerce.
“Through this brand evolution and the launch of MAX, the message is clear: Alabama’s port belongs to the entire state and its benefits reach far beyond the Gulf Coast,” Otto said.
The Port & Montgomery Chamber Survey Construction Progress at Intermodal Facility
Less than one year after groundbreaking, facility remains on track for early 2027 opening
MONTGOMERY, Ala. January 29, 2026 — Today, leaders from the Alabama Port Authority and Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce toured the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF), highlighting major construction progress less than one year after groundbreaking.
“The Montgomery ICTF is a critical investment in Alabama’s supply chain infrastructure,” said Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO, Doug Otto. “Seeing the progress firsthand reinforces the importance of this facility in strengthening statewide freight mobility and supporting long-term economic growth.”
This $100 million terminal — funded largely through federal appropriations secured by former Senator Richard Shelby — will include three miles of CSXT siding track, three operational process tracks, and two Kone rubber tire gantry (RTG) cranes to move containers from rail to trucks. Each RTG crane will span two process tracks, a truck lane, and a four-container-wide operational stacking area. Once operational, the Montgomery ICTF will provide seamless rail and truck access for containerized cargo, offering Alabama businesses an efficient inland connection to global markets through the Port of Mobile.
The visit marks a key milestone in the development of the 272-acre inland intermodal facility, which is designed to expand Mobile freight connectivity to central Alabama. The initial development includes 120 acres of operational yard, supporting an estimated annual throughput capacity of 60,000 lifts, with a vision for both future operational expansion and real estate development for logistics partners.
“We have already seen major investment in Montgomery and the River Region as a result of the Inland Port,”said Anna Buckalew, President and CEO of the Montgomery Regional Chamber. “Touring the ICTF as it prepares for full operations in 2027 gives us an even more vivid view of the opportunities on the horizon. We are grateful for the Alabama Port Authority’s leadership, CSX, and the state, federal, and local partners who leaned into this project with their full support every step of the way. More and more, you will see Montgomery and the Capital City Region connecting to assets around our state, to drive growth throughout Alabama and right here at home.”
More than $4 billion of private investments have been announced within five miles of the terminal since the project’s initial public announcement in 2022. With access to two interstate highways and ample warehouse space, the logistics hub is positioned for continued expansion.
Following the groundbreaking last February, construction has progressed steadily. Site grading and subsurface utility installations are complete, and work is underway on a new rail siding and CSX mainline bridge to support the facility’s rail operations. Construction remains on schedule, with the Montgomery ICTF expected to be operational in early 2027.
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LINKS FOR MEDIA USE:
Tour Photos (Jan. 29, 2026) and Site Renderings
*Tour Photos courtesy of the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
Groundbreaking Press Release and Elected Official Quotes (Feb. 27, 2025)
Konecranes Contract Announcement (Sept. 25, 2025)
About the Alabama Port Authority
The Alabama Port Authority serves all 67 counties in the State of Alabama and oversees the deep-water public port facilities at the Port of Mobile, which is now the deepest container port in the Gulf. In addition to the interstate system, the Port Authority’s container, general cargo, and bulk facilities have immediate access to five Class I railroads, four short-line railroads, and nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterways. For more information, visit ALports.com
Contact: Maggie Oliver, Chief Development Officer, Alabama Port Authority | 251-441-8130 (o); 251-272-9597 (c) | Maggie.Oliver@ALPorts.com