Located between Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina, Greenville Spartanburg Airport (GSP) is at the centre of advanced manufacturing in the Southeast United States.
With proximity to major interstate roadways (I-85 and I-26), rail and access to ocean shipping via the South Carolina Inland Port at Greer, GSP is a key component of a logistics network in Upstate South Carolina that includes access to the national interstate roadway network, rail connections and a direct rail line from GSP property to the deep-water ocean port at Charleston, SC.
“This nexus of logistics infrastructure has allowed companies operating in the Southeast U.S. and international companies looking to trade with the U.S. via the southeast enjoy an array of shipping options based on their needs and speed to market,” Tom Tyra, Vice President of GSP, stated.
“With an 11,001 ft runway, ample ramp space, a dedicated 160,000 sq ft cargo facility and parking for up to six 747 aircraft, GSP is able to offer a level of convenience and efficiency not possible at other major cargo gateways in the Southeast U.S.
“This infrastructure also allows shippers back up capacity if their primary distribution method should encounter delays or disruptions. Whether air is the company’s first choice, or they consider it as a backup plan, GSP’s uncongested facility allows shippers with a convenient and accessible option to keep cargo moving.
“GSP’s air cargo operation thrives on working with customers to design customised solutions for their shipping needs. In addition to handling for traditional cargo, we can also handle dangerous goods, live animals, oversized items, coordinate custom build/break, provide warehousing, and even handle road feeder services to and from the region.”
New trend
The majority of GSP’s cargo business supports the auto, aviation and manufactured goods industry. The growth of e-commerce has introduced significant challenges for many airports in the U.S.
The volume of cargo has caused congestion at other gateways and pulled much-needed capacity away from traditional cargo customers. This has made it more difficult for traditional cargo customers to move items through larger airports.
“GSP can typically unload the aircraft and deliver cargo to the dock door in half the time of other airports in the southeast U.S,” Tyra explained. “With our superior access to major roadways, the time saved by transporting cargo through GSP can result in significant savings of time and money for companies operating in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
“As more companies evaluate their CO2 emissions, it is important to factor in reductions on fuel burn on the ground, idle time for trucks and our very short taxi times for aircraft using GSP. All of these factors add up to savings for the company, shipper, consumer and the environment.”
Connect the Southeast
GSP works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the South Carolina Ports Authority, major air cargo airlines, freight forwarders and large manufacturers in the region to provide the service needed when it is needed.
The airport is working with airlines, shippers and companies to grow the capacity for road feeder services (RFS) and provide warehouse solutions for freight forwarders.
“We are also in the early stages of developing partnerships with fellow alternative airports in Europe, which we think will help each airport expand its customer base, reach and benefit from shared research and development. We hope to have our first partnership in place in 2025,” Tyra stated.
“GSP has a comprehensive master plan that will guide air cargo development for the next 40 years. As demand warrants, the plan calls for the airport to add additional cargo facilities, warehousing, cool chain capabilities, integrated vertical storage, and airfield improvements that could include a second parallel runway and taxiways.
“With over 2,500 acres of undeveloped land, the future of cargo at GSP is bright.”
