Port Birmingham stands out as the only rail-served port in Central Alabama, with unit train capacity and connectivity to BN, CSX, and NS via Watco’s Birmingham Terminal Railway (BHRR). It features a 25,000-square-foot weather-controlled warehouse and the only heavy-lift crane in the northern half of the state, enabling us to handle project cargo. And with 144 railcar spots and five barge docks on 182 acres, we have ample capacity for efficient operations.

Market Reach

Our Birmingham location means connecting you to the Port of Mobile, extending your market reach with overseas buyers and sellers. In addition, the location features direct linehaul to East and West Coast markets by rail as well as nearby access to multiple interstate highways. They provide strong regional and national connectivity for freight moving by truck to and from the port.

Weather-controlled Warehouse

Port Birmingham handles steel properly to prevent damage, and that includes protecting it from extreme weather. Our spacious warehouse keeps steel coils and slabs sheltered and secure from potentially damaging weather conditions.

Warehousing/Material Handling 

• Accessible by rail, river, and truck
• Transload capabilities – barge, rail, truck, storage
• Dry bulk, break-bulk, and project cargo
• Liquid tank car unloading (including hazmat)
• FDA-certified (animal grade)
• Barge fleeting and shifting
• 25,000-sq.-ft. weather-controlled warehouse

Terminal Features

• Unit train capacity
• 144 railcar spots
• 5 barge docks
• Barge and railcar cleaning

Commodities
Specializing in bulk, break-bulk, and liquid commodities including:

• Coal
• Steel coils and slabs
• Dimensional, structural, and project cargo
• Bulk aggregates including synthetic gypsum
• Scrap and pig iron
• Liquids such as ferric sulfate and sodium hydroxide

We’re equipped to move any commodity anywhere thanks to our comprehensive network of transportation experts. Contact sales@watco.com to learn more.

Connectivity

• Rail: BNSF, CSX, NS via BHRR
• River: Black Warrior River (Mile Marker 418)
• Road: I-65, I-22, I-59/20, and I-459

Year Watco Operations Began

• 2012

 Port Access, Hours, and Information

• Get directions to the front gate
• Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Required personal protective equipment: gloves, hard hat, steel-toe boots, safety glasses, and high-visibility vest