When companies look to expand or relocate, they often face a tough choice: gain access to major markets but deal with the congestion, delays, and costs of a metro area, or settle for less market reach in exchange for smoother operations.

Brunswick County, located in Southeastern North Carolina, offers the best of both worlds. Strategically positioned on the East Coast, it provides direct access to critical transportation networks while sparing businesses the headaches of urban gridlock.

Highway Connectivity Without the Bottlenecks

Brunswick County’s transportation network puts companies within easy reach of the entire Eastern Seaboard and beyond. Interstates I-40 and I-95, two of the nation’s most critical shipping corridors, are directly accessible via US-17, US-74/76, and the future I-74. Industrial parks in Brunswick connect quickly to I-95 (65 miles away) and I-40 via I-140 (just 10 miles).

Unlike metro centers where highway interchanges can become choke points, Brunswick’s lower-density roads keep freight moving consistently. Businesses can ship goods north toward New York and D.C. or south toward Savannah and Miami without the unpredictable delays that plague urban logistics hubs. The result: more reliable deliveries, lower fuel costs, and smoother fleet operations.

Rail and Port Access with Faster Turnaround

Brunswick County also benefits from its proximity to the Port of Wilmington. The port is just five miles from the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park, which sits on a CSX Class I rail line.

The International Logistics Park of North Carolina, a 1,040-acre megasite located along U.S. Highway 74/76, is located approximately 18 miles from the Port of Wilmington.

The port boasts a 42-foot channel, 600,000 TEU annual capacity, and quick turnaround times averaging 18 minutes per container move. For companies, that means fewer bottlenecks at the dock, faster clearance through the Foreign Trade Zone, and cost savings on international shipping.

In metro port cities, congestion often extends far beyond the port itself, as trucks and trains line up to move goods inland. Brunswick businesses, by contrast, take advantage of shorter, less congested routes, streamlining both import and export logistics.

Air Travel Without the Delays

Air travel is also easy to access with Wilmington International Airport (ILM) just 25 minutes away and Myrtle Beach International (MYR) about 90 minutes away. Both provide daily service to major U.S. hubs. Larger airports in Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham are easily reached without the long traffic delays common in urban centers. This balance allows companies to move executives, clients, and high-priority cargo efficiently without sacrificing convenience or reliability.

The Business Advantage of Less Congestion

Perhaps Brunswick County’s most overlooked advantage is simply how much less congested it is compared to metro competitors. Brunswick commuters and logistics providers experience far fewer slowdowns. For employers, that translates into:

  • Shorter Commutes: Employees spend less time on the road and more time contributing at work.
  • More Reliable Logistics: Delivery schedules hold firm thanks to smoother traffic flow.
  • Lower Operating Costs: Reduced idling and stop-and-go driving cut fuel, maintenance, and payroll costs for fleets.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, the total vehicle miles traveled for Wake County was over 37 million while Mecklenburg County surpassed 41 million in 2024. During that same period, Brunswick County’s total was just under 6 million.

Businesses operating here don’t just gain efficiency. They also offer a better quality of life to employees. Shorter commutes, affordable housing, and open space make Brunswick County attractive to workers, helping employers recruit and retain top talent without the burnout associated with metro traffic.

Infrastructure Resilience

With less strain from high volumes of traffic, Brunswick County’s infrastructure holds up longer and stays more reliable. During coastal storms, proactive planning has helped the county keep critical roads and utilities open while larger cities struggle with widespread outages. For companies, this means fewer interruptions and more confidence in the continuity of operations.

A Smart Move for Growing Businesses

Brunswick County combines the reach of major East Coast markets with the efficiency of a less congested environment. Companies here gain the logistical advantages of interstate, rail, port, and air access without the added costs, delays, and frustrations of a metro location.

At Brunswick Business & Industry Development (Brunswick BID), we’re committed to helping businesses seize these advantages. Our team provides hands-on, personalized support to guide you through expansion or relocation: from first interest through long-term growth. If your company is looking to expand or relocate, reach out to Brunswick BID today to discover how proximity without congestion can accelerate your success.